You Should Not Let Your Kids Watch These TV Shows

Choosing what kids watch matters because a lot of popular series are made for adults. Many of these shows carry TV-MA ratings for graphic violence, explicit sexual content, or strong language. Some also tackle heavy themes that younger viewers may find confusing or upsetting. Use profiles, parental controls, and content ratings to keep these out of kids’ queues.

‘Euphoria’ (2019–)

This series follows teenagers but it is made for adults and carries frequent explicit sexual content and nudity. It depicts hard drug use, overdose scenes, and self-harm in graphic ways. Strong language is constant across episodes. Parents should treat ‘Euphoria’ as strictly TV-MA.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

The show includes graphic battle violence, sexual content, and frequent nudity. It shows torture, executions, and shocking deaths without restraint. Strong language and disturbing themes appear throughout. ‘Game of Thrones’ is rated TV-MA and is not suitable for children.

‘The Boys’ (2019–)

This superhero series is extremely violent with gore shown in close detail. Episodes include explicit sexual content and frequent strong language. Drug use and shocking set pieces are common. The TV-MA rating reflects content aimed at mature audiences only.

‘Squid Game’ (2021–)

The premise centers on deadly competitions with frequent on-screen killings. Blood and graphic injury effects are shown in detail. The show also contains adult language and distressing themes around desperation and exploitation. ‘Squid Game’ is intended for mature viewers.

‘Black Mirror’ (2011–)

Stories explore dark and often disturbing scenarios about technology and society. Several episodes include intense psychological horror and violent moments. Adult language and sexual content appear in multiple installments. The anthology format may vary, but the tone remains mature.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

This series portrays realistic zombie violence with heavy gore. Characters face constant peril, traumatic loss, and graphic injury detail. Strong language and dark themes are common. The content aligns with a TV-MA audience and is inappropriate for children.

‘American Horror Story’ (2011–)

Each season features different horror settings with explicit violence and disturbing imagery. Episodes may include sexual content, nudity, and occult themes. Strong language is frequent. The show maintains a TV-MA rating across seasons.

‘Rick and Morty’ (2013–)

Despite being animated, this series targets adults with crude humor and strong language. Violent scenes and body horror appear in multiple episodes. Themes include nihilism and mature scientific concepts presented in an extreme way. Animation style does not make ‘Rick and Morty’ kid friendly.

‘South Park’ (1997–)

The show is known for explicit language and highly provocative humor. Episodes often include mature sexual jokes and graphic animated violence. Social and political satire is presented in ways that are not appropriate for younger viewers. ‘South Park’ carries a consistent TV-MA rating.

‘Invincible’ (2021–)

This animated superhero series contains graphic violence with detailed gore. Scenes show dismemberment and intense battles. Strong language and adult themes are present. The TV-MA rating accurately signals content for mature audiences only.

‘The Witcher’ (2019–)

Episodes include sword combat with blood and injury detail. Sexual content, nudity, and strong language appear regularly. Dark fantasy creatures and intense peril can be frightening. The series is designed for adults and holds a TV-MA rating.

‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (2017–)

The show explores oppression, abuse, and trauma in a dystopian setting. Scenes include sexual violence, psychological cruelty, and disturbing punishments. Strong language and adult themes are frequent. Its serious subject matter is intended for mature viewers.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

The plot centers on drug manufacturing and organized crime. Episodes show brutal violence, firearms, and tense standoffs. Drug use and distribution are depicted in detail, alongside strong language. The series maintains a TV-MA rating throughout.

‘Peacemaker’ (2022–)

This action series features graphic violence and frequent strong language. Sexual references and adult humor are common. Some episodes include drug references and crude jokes not suitable for younger audiences. ‘Peacemaker’ is produced for mature viewers.

‘Naked Attraction’ (2016–)

This dating show displays full nudity as part of its format. There is no censorship of body parts and adult conversations are explicit. The premise is aimed at a grown audience and carries clear age restrictions in many regions. It is not appropriate viewing for kids.

‘The Last of Us’ (2023–)

The series contains intense survival violence with realistic depictions of injury and death. Episodes feature frightening infected creatures and suspense that can be overwhelming for younger viewers. Strong language is frequent throughout the season. Mature themes like grief, loss, and moral ambiguity are central to the story.

‘House of the Dragon’ (2022–)

This fantasy drama includes graphic battle scenes and explicit depictions of injury. Sexual content and nudity appear in multiple episodes. Storylines include abuse, power struggles, and disturbing family dynamics. Strong language and threatening situations are common.

‘True Detective’ (2014–)

The show focuses on violent crimes and includes graphic crime scene imagery. Dialogue features strong language and adult references. Themes include corruption, existential despair, and psychological trauma. Some episodes include sexual content and brief nudity.

‘Sons of Anarchy’ (2008–2014)

Episodes revolve around organized crime and contain frequent gun violence and brutal fights. Strong language is used consistently by main characters. The plot includes drug trafficking, extortion, and murder. Sexual content and brief nudity appear in several storylines.

‘Dexter’ (2006–2013)

The premise centers on a serial killer who targets criminals, and the show depicts homicide in detail. Scenes include blood, dismemberment, and forensic procedures. Strong language and dark humor appear often. The series explores vigilantism and moral conflict not suited for kids.

‘Narcos’ (2015–2017)

This crime drama portrays drug cartel operations with realistic violence and executions. Strong language and adult content are present across episodes. The show includes drug manufacturing and trafficking details. Viewers also encounter corruption and intimidation by armed groups.

‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)

The series examines serial killer cases with explicit discussions of violent acts. Interrogation scenes include disturbing descriptions and psychological manipulation. Strong language appears in many conversations. The tone is tense and focused on criminal pathology.

‘Westworld’ (2016–2022)

Episodes feature gunfights, bloodshed, and disturbing injury effects. The show includes sexual content, brief nudity, and strong language. Themes involve artificial consciousness, identity, and cruelty to sentient beings. Many scenes are intense and unsettling.

‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ (2005–)

This comedy uses extremely crude humor with frequent strong language. Storylines include adult topics like substance abuse, exploitation, and scams. Characters engage in reckless behavior that is not appropriate for younger audiences. Some episodes include suggestive content and offensive jokes.

‘Archer’ (2009–2023)

The animated series contains frequent gunplay, explosions, and slapstick injury. Dialogue is filled with strong language and mature innuendo. Sexual content and suggestive situations occur regularly. Alcohol abuse and irresponsible behavior are recurring elements.

‘BoJack Horseman’ (2014–2020)

This animated drama explores depression, addiction, and self-destructive behavior. Strong language and dark humor appear throughout. Episodes include sexual content and substance abuse. The themes and tone are intended for mature viewers.

‘Big Mouth’ (2017–)

The show centers on puberty with explicit sexual humor and frank discussions of anatomy. Strong language and crude jokes are constant. Some scenes include animated nudity and suggestive imagery. The subject matter is designed for adults, not children.

‘Love, Death & Robots’ (2019–)

The anthology includes graphic animated violence and gore in several shorts. Episodes vary but may contain sexual content and strong language. Many stories present frightening monsters and dystopian scenarios. The tone and imagery are adult oriented across the collection.

‘Spartacus’ (2010–2013)

The series depicts arena combat and warfare with graphic bloodshed. Nudity and explicit sexual content appear frequently. Strong language is common among the characters. Themes include slavery, revenge, and brutal punishment.

‘True Blood’ (2008–2014)

Episodes include supernatural violence with blood and injury detail. Sexual content and nudity are frequent components of the story. Strong language and adult themes like addiction and exploitation are present. The overall tone is dark and intense.

‘Boardwalk Empire’ (2010–2014)

This period crime drama features shootings, beatings, and organized crime activity. Strong language and adult content appear throughout. Episodes include brief nudity and sexual situations. Themes involve corruption, bootlegging, and political violence.

‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)

The series portrays street level and institutional crime with realistic violence. Strong language and drug trade details are present in most episodes. Storylines include police corruption and systemic failure. The tone is gritty and aimed at mature audiences.

‘Shameless’ (2011–2021)

The show contains frequent strong language and crude humor. Episodes include sexual content, brief nudity, and substance abuse. Themes revolve around poverty, neglect, and illegal schemes. Many situations are inappropriate for younger viewers.

‘Skins’ (2007–2013)

This teen drama portrays underage characters engaging in adult activities. Episodes include drug use, sexual content, and strong language. Themes include mental health struggles and risky behavior. Parents should be aware that the material is presented without filters.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

The series depicts gruesome crime scenes and stylized violence. Psychological horror and disturbing imagery are central to the plot. Strong language and adult themes are present throughout. The focus on cannibalism and serial murder is not suitable for children.

Share your own picks and tell us which shows you think parents should keep off kids’ watchlists in the comments.