Common Side Effects is an upcoming American adult animated television series set to premiere on Adult Swim on February 2, 2025. Created by Joseph Bennett and Steve Hely, this conspiracy thriller follows Marshall Kusso, a man who stumbles upon a revolutionary medicine that can cure almost every illness. However, a large pharmaceutical company, Reutical Pharmaceutical, Inc., will stop at nothing to suppress the discovery. Marshall teams up with his friend, Frances Applewhite, who secretly works for the company, to expose the truth.
In Common Side Effects, two high school friends, Marshall and Frances, reunite to uncover the truth behind a groundbreaking drug. The series explores their dangerous journey as they realize the pharmaceutical company and government are involved in a conspiracy to suppress the cure. Themes of drugs, wellness, law enforcement, and the drug war are explored, along with mature, complex elements of healing, psychedelics, and societal control. The show takes a deep dive into the world of pharmaceutical corruption, the drug industry, and how society deals with wellness.
Parents Guide for Common Side Effects
Age Rating: Common Side Effects is rated TV-MA, which means the series is intended for mature audiences only. This rating indicates that the content contains strong and explicit language, as well as complex and mature themes that may not be suitable for younger viewers.
Violence and Action
- The series includes intense action and violence, particularly in the context of the pharmaceutical company and government trying to suppress Marshall’s discovery.
- There are high-stakes situations that could include fights, chases, and scenes of danger.
- The violent content is presented with adult animation, and while it may not be graphic, it carries a significant level of tension.
Strong Language
- The show contains strong and mature language, including frequent use of profanity.
- There may also be crude or explicit dialogue, consistent with the adult-oriented nature of the series.
Mature and Complex Themes
- The series deals with mature and complex themes, including drug use, the ethics of the pharmaceutical industry, wellness, and law enforcement.
- Topics like psychedelics and healing from various perspectives are explored, making the show suitable only for older teens and adults.
- There are references to conspiracy theories, the drug war, and the cultural impact of the pharmaceutical industry, which could be difficult for younger viewers to fully understand.
Sexual Content
- Although the series doesn’t focus heavily on sexual content, there may be some implied sexual references or innuendo.
Is Common Side Effects Suitable for Kids?
Given its TV-MA rating, Common Side Effects is not suitable for children. The combination of strong language, mature themes, and adult situations makes it a series for mature viewers only. Parental discretion is highly advised.
Tips for Parents
- Preview the series: Consider watching the show yourself before allowing older teens to view it, as it contains heavy themes around drugs, conspiracies, and violence.
- Discuss themes: If you have older teens watching, it could be valuable to discuss the themes of corporate corruption, the drug industry, and the ethical implications of wellness and healing.
- Consider viewer sensitivity: If your child is sensitive to adult language or complex, mature topics, this may not be appropriate.
Official Trailer
FAQs-
Q: Why is Common Side Effects rated TV-MA?
A: The series is rated TV-MA due to strong language, mature themes including drug use and conspiracy theories, violence, and complex adult situations.
Q: Are there any graphic or disturbing scenes?
A: While the series includes intense action and mature content, it is not overly graphic, but it does contain serious themes of pharmaceutical corruption and violence.
Q: Is the series suitable for teenagers?
A: While the series may appeal to older teens, the TV-MA rating suggests that it is best suited for adults, and parental discretion is advised for teenagers under 17.
Q: Does the series include any sexual content?
A: The series may contain some sexual innuendo or references, but explicit sexual content is not a central focus.
Q: What themes does Common Side Effects explore?
A: The series explores drug use, the pharmaceutical industry, wellness, psychedelics, healing, and government conspiracies. These themes are tackled in a complex and mature manner, suitable for adult viewers.