‘The Gentlemen’ 2024 Parents Guide: Show’s Age Rating Explained

Netflix dropped a fresh treat for crime drama lovers with ‘The Gentlemen’ in 2024, a series spun off from Guy Ritchie’s 2019 film of the same name. Theo James leads the charge as Eddie Halstead, a guy who inherits a fancy estate only to find it’s tangled up in a weed empire. If you’re familiar with Ritchie’s style, you know it’s going to be a wild ride full of sharp suits, sharper tongues, and a hefty dose of chaos. But for parents wondering if this is something to watch with the kids, there’s a lot to unpack about what’s behind that TV-MA rating.

This isn’t just a story about fancy titles and family drama—it dives deep into the gritty underbelly of crime. Released on March 7, 2024, the show mixes action, comedy, and some dark twists that keep you hooked. With a second season already greenlit, it’s clear this tale has legs. I’ve dug into the details to help you figure out what’s safe for your household, breaking down the violence, language, and other bits that make this a grown-up watch.

Why It’s Rated TV-MA

The TV-MA tag on ‘The Gentlemen’ isn’t just for show—it’s earned. This rating means it’s aimed at mature audiences, typically 17 and up, and it’s packed with stuff that backs that up. Think intense violence, a flood of swear words, and a storyline soaked in drugs. It’s not a casual family night pick, but for adults who love a good crime romp, it’s right up their alley.

Violence is a big player here. From the first episode, you’ve got heads getting blasted off with shotguns and blood splattering in later scenes. There’s a brutal moment in episode three where a machete does some off-screen damage, leaving a character drenched in red. Sure, they use clever camera tricks to soften the blow, but it’s still heavy stuff that might rattle younger viewers.

Language-wise, it’s a free-for-all. Words like ‘f–k’ and ‘s–t’ fly around like they’re going out of style. It fits the rough-and-tumble world of British gangsters, but it’s not something you’d want little ears picking up. Add in the constant presence of weed, cocaine snorting, and booze, and you’ve got a cocktail that’s strictly for the over-17 crowd.

What Parents Should Watch Out For

If you’re thinking about letting teens sneak a peek, here’s what you’re dealing with. The violence isn’t just frequent—it’s graphic enough to stick with you. A guy gets his fingers chopped up, another ends up in a coma after a boxing beatdown, and there’s plenty of gunplay. It’s not over-the-top gore like a horror flick, but it’s raw and real enough to make you wince.

Then there’s the drug angle. The whole plot spins around a marijuana empire, so smoking weed is basically background noise. Characters knock back drinks constantly, and one even snorts cocaine on-screen a couple of times. It’s not glamorized, but it’s there in your face, which could spark some tricky questions from curious kids.

Surprisingly, sex and nudity take a back seat. There’s one quick flash of a naked guy in episode four—blink and you’ll miss it—but that’s about it. No steamy hookups or romance to worry about. Still, the combo of violence, drugs, and language makes this a hard pass for anyone under 17 unless you’re cool with them diving into that world.

Is It Worth a Family Watch?

Honestly, ‘The Gentlemen’ isn’t built for family viewing. It’s a blast for adults who dig Guy Ritchie’s fast-paced, twisty style—Theo James and Kaya Scodelario bring the heat, and the supporting cast adds plenty of flavor. But for kids or even younger teens, it’s too much. The mature themes hit hard, and there’s no softening the edges here.

If you’ve got older teens, say 16 or 17, it might work with a sit-down talk first. Watch it together, gauge their reactions, and maybe use it as a chance to chat about the heavy stuff. For a lighter crime fix, shows like ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ or ‘Psych’ keep the fun without the grit. For me, this one’s a solo watch after the kids are in bed—pure, unfiltered entertainment that’s best kept to the grown-ups.