Smallville

Fan communities and critics have extensively discussed the allegorical reading of Clark Kent's secret identity as a metaphor for being a closeted gay or transgender person, struggling with accepting who he is and revealing his true self to the world. This interpretation is reinforced by director/producer commentaries for early episodes where they reportedly discussed 'homoerotic undertones' in the relationship between Clark Kent and Lex Luthor, jokingly suggesting a scene 'would have been perfect for Clark and Lex to kiss'. Additionally, a minor character, the 'Ring the Bell' guy at the Daily Planet, is mentioned to have a boyfriend, providing a fleeting, albeit non-central, acknowledgment of a gay character. Earlier in the series, Tina Greer, a shapeshifting villain, displays an intense 'infatuation' with Lana Lang, which some interpret as a portrayal of same-sex attraction, although it is presented in the context of a villain's mental instability.

Romantic relationships are central throughout the series, with frequent kissing between main characters like Clark Kent and Lana Lang, and later Clark and Lois Lane. Sexual suggestiveness increases in later seasons; for example, Lois Lane is shown posing as a dominatrix at an S&M/fetish club as part of an entrapment scheme, featuring club scenes with sexual imagery including a woman on a stripper pole and a man on a leash. Lois also wears cleavage-revealing dresses, and characters like Supergirl are often seen in tight, midriff-revealing outfits. Booster Gold's publicity events include 'cleavage- and midriff-baring cheerleaders in tiny skirts'.

Characters occasionally use mild profanity such as 'h---' and 'd---' in moments of frustration or anger. Lois Lane is noted for calling Booster Gold an 'a--' in one instance. The phrase 'Oh my God' is also exclaimed by characters. While not pervasive or explicit, these instances are present enough to warrant a moderate rating, particularly when considering younger viewers.

A prominent example is Season 4, Episode 8, 'Spell,' where Lana Lang, Lois Lane, and Chloe Sullivan become possessed by the spirits of 16th-century witches after touching a spellbook, leading to overt depictions of magic and incantations. The series also introduces characters like Zatanna, a powerful magician from DC Comics, who actively casts spells, including one that causes memory erasure during a bachelor/bachelorette party in a later season. Furthermore, the powerful dark entity Darkseid possesses the character Gordon Godfrey in Season 10, demonstrating supernatural evil forces at play.

Lex Luthor is frequently shown drinking alcohol, such as brandy, in many episodes from the first season onwards, establishing his adult lifestyle. A significant storyline in Season 6, Episode 7 ('Rage'), explicitly deals with Oliver Queen's 'drug problem', including the visual implication of needles and syringes, and discussions about his addiction and withdrawal. Additionally, Red Kryptonite is used as a direct metaphor for illegal drugs in Season 2, Episode 4 ('Red'), causing Clark Kent to become reckless, rebellious, and disregard consequences, highlighting the negative effects of substance alteration. Lois Lane is also shown smoking a cigarette in at least one scene.

In Season 2, Episode 4 ('Red'), Clark Kent, under the influence of Red Kryptonite, explicitly rebels against his adoptive parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent, articulating desires to leave the farm and expressing frustration with his life and allowance. Chloe Sullivan's character often demonstrates a rebellious streak through her tenacious journalistic investigations, frequently challenging authority or going against instructions to 'expose falsehoods' and 'know the truth,' driven by her curiosity. The highly contentious relationship between Lex Luthor and his father, Lionel Luthor, is characterized by mutual disrespect, manipulation, and repeated acts of defiance and power struggles from Lex against his father's control.