Parents' Guide to

True Blood

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 18+

Sexy, bloody vampire drama for adults only.

TV HBO Drama 2008
True Blood Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

age 16+

Based on 41 parent reviews

age 18+

Special Guest Host

Hector David Jr Erika Fong Chord Overstreet Lea Michele Brittany Anne Little True Blood Yes

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
1 person found this helpful.
age 18+

Guest Appearance

Chord Overstreet Lea Michele Hector David Jr. Erika Fong Brittany Anne Pirtle True Blood

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
1 person found this helpful.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (41):
Kids say (79):

True Blood -- which is based on author Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire Mysteries series and produced by Six Feet Under creator Alan Ball -- is a creative dramedy bolstered by both an unusual premise and strong, well-developed, colorful characters who add a touch of campy humor. That said, the show also uses vampires' mythic and rather violent sexual appetites as a way to explore human eroticism at various levels. So there are plenty of explicit conversations, over-the-top sex scenes, and obvious sadomasochist references.

Obviously, then, this show is meant for adults. And mature viewers will find that True Blood is definitely entertaining. It effectively weaves "everyday" topics such as romance and family dysfunction into a mystical fabric that results in some interesting and sometimes thought-provoking narratives. It also serves as a platform from which stereotypes and bigotry can be examined in an honest, open way.

TV Details

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