When They See Us: parents' guide

Detectives hit, shove and threaten teenage suspects, teens beat up another boy, and prison scenes show brutal beatings, especially of the one boy sent to adult prison. A rape is at the center of the case and is described graphically but not shown.

Plugged In counted more than five f-words and four s-words in the first episode alone. The N-word is used casually and as a slur, the boys are repeatedly called "animals," and a homophobic slur is heard.

A couple has sex with a man's bare backside visible, a woman removes her bra with the outline of her breasts showing, and oral sex is hinted at. Detectives also ask the boys crude, graphic questions about sex.

Characters smoke cigarettes, and drug dealing is part of one young man's life after his release. No heavy drinking or drug use is noted.

Emotionally grueling throughout: terrified kids are interrogated for hours, families are threatened and manipulated, and a teen endures years of violence and solitary confinement in adult prison. Few moments of relief until the end.