Normal People

Parents need to know that Normal People is a series based on the bestselling novel of the same name about a relationship that springs up between two Irish teens, Marianne and Connell, who come from two distinctly different backgrounds. Their relationship is emotional and genuine, as well as mutual and easy to root for, with both characters' needs and desires given respect and airtime. We see many sex scenes between them, which are also realistic and mutual; we see both nude with breasts and backsides visible. There's also a moment when they talk about and put on a condom (genitals are not visible). Violence is infrequent, but an (off-screen) suicide is an important plot point. Teens drink, sometimes heavily, at parties and clubs. Language is generally used for emphasis ( "f--k," "s--t," "a--hole,” "hell") but can be used hurtfully, like when a male classmate calls Marianne an "ugly flat-chested bitch." Characters are realistic and relatable; they sometimes treat each other unkindly and make mistakes, but they apologize and learn from their errors. Humility and communication are visible in plotlines that show characters who become more responsible and thoughtful as they mature.