Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that True Detective is an anthology series that structures each new season around a different murder case and the detectives investigating the crime. It plays as decidedly adult pay-cable fare, with dead bodies and bloody injuries, unbleeped swearing ranging from "f--k" to "t-ts," and visible nudity in the form of breasts and buttocks, along with simulated sex. There's social drinking and drug use, too, from prescription pills to crystal meth.

Sexual Content

Nudity includes bare breasts and buttocks, with implied and simulated sex. Some crimes have sexual overtones.

Violence

Crime scenes feature dead bodies and some unsettling imagery, but there's minimal blood. On-screen violence is rare.

Language

Unbleeped swearing includes "f--k," "s--t," "a--hole," and "t-ts."

Social Behavior

The overall tone is dark and foreboding, painting a picture of an unsettling world that's peopled with characters who have questionable motives.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Social drinking, occasionally to drunkenness, plus allusions to illegal drug use (including pot, crystal meth, and LSD). A main character smokes cigarettes.