The Walking Dead Parental Guidance Review and Ratings. Age rating, objectionable content, positive messages, cast overview, and family suitability.
- VERDICT: “The Walking Dead” is not suitable for young children and may not be appropriate for sensitive viewers. The series explores the dark and gritty realities of a post-apocalyptic world, presenting challenging moral dilemmas and portraying the struggle for survival in a brutal environment. Parents should consider the age and maturity level of their children before allowing them to watch the show. It is advisable to watch a few episodes first to assess its suitability for family viewing.
- Release date: October 31, 2010 –; November 20, 2022
- Developer: Frank Darabont
- Seasons: 11 (Eleven)
- Stars: Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies, Laurie Holden, Jeffrey DeMunn, Steven Yeun, Chandler Riggs, Norman Reedus, Lauren Cohan, Danai Gurira
- Genre: Horror / Zombie apocalypse
- Rating: TV-MA
The Walking Dead
“The Walking Dead” is a popular television series based on the comic book of the same name by Robert Kirkman. It is a post-apocalyptic drama that follows a group of survivors as they navigate a world overrun by zombies, also known as walkers.
The Walking Dead has been a commercial success, becoming the highest-rated cable television series in history. It has also been praised for its acting, writing, and production values. The series has also been criticized for its violence and gore. However, the show remains one of the most popular and critically acclaimed television series of all time.
While the show has gained a significant fan base, it is important for parents to consider the age appropriateness and potentially objectionable content before allowing their children to watch.
This parents guide review will provide an in-depth analysis of the series, covering topics such as age rating, potentially objectionable content, positive messages, cast overview, and overall suitability for children and families.
Age Rating
“The Walking Dead” is rated TV-MA, which means it is intended for mature audiences and may not be suitable for children under the age of 17 without parental guidance.
The series contains intense violence, gore, and disturbing images that may not be suitable for younger viewers. Parents are advised to use their discretion and consider the maturity level of their children before allowing them to watch the show.
Content Analysis
Sex & Nudity
The series includes some mild sexual content and nudity, although it is not explicit or frequent. Most of the sexual scenes involve kissing and makeout sessions, with no explicit nudity shown.
In a few instances, characters are briefly shown naked, but their bodies are either shadowed or strategically covered. There are also brief instances of implied rape or attempted rape, but these scenes are not shown in explicit detail and often cut away.
It is important for parents to be aware of these scenes and consider whether they are appropriate for their children.
For example, in Season 3, Andrea gets up after having offscreen sex with the Governor and grabs a knife. She is briefly shown naked, but her body is shadowed by darkness. In Season 5, Abraham and Rosita make out in an abandoned library, but the act is slightly shadowed and no nudity is shown. These instances of nudity and sexual content are relatively rare and not explicit.
Violence & Gore
“The Walking Dead” features intense violence, gore, and disturbing imagery throughout the series. The show depicts graphic scenes of zombies attacking and killing both humans and other zombies.
It also includes violent confrontations between humans, often resulting in brutal injuries and deaths. The level of violence and gore increases as the series progresses, with some seasons containing particularly graphic and disturbing moments.
For example, Season 8 contains strong gore, with scenes showing a man’s small intestine being pulled out and a group of people being shot with blood-covered arrows. Season 7 features some of the most violent moments in the series, including characters being repeatedly hit with a barbed baseball bat and a man being slit across the stomach with his guts spilling out.
These scenes can be extremely graphic and unsettling, and parents should carefully consider whether their children can handle such content.
Positive Messages
Despite its dark and violent nature, “The Walking Dead” also conveys positive messages about survival, perseverance, and the strength of human relationships.
The series explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the importance of community in the face of adversity. It showcases characters who evolve and grow as they navigate the challenges of the post-apocalyptic world, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.
Additionally, the show often emphasizes the value of empathy, compassion, and cooperation as essential tools for survival.“The Walking Dead” also raises thought-provoking ethical dilemmas and moral questions. It prompts viewers to contemplate the nature of humanity and the choices people make when confronted with extreme circumstances. These deeper themes can provide opportunities for discussions and reflections on morality and personal values.
Furthermore, the series portrays a diverse range of characters from different backgrounds, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and representation. It explores relationships, friendships, and bonds formed within the group, showcasing the power of connection and mutual support.
It’s worth noting that while “The Walking Dead” does contain positive messages, they are often juxtaposed with intense and violent scenes. Parents should consider the overall content and their child’s maturity level before allowing them to watch the series.
Cast Overview
“The Walking Dead” features a large ensemble cast, with numerous characters appearing throughout the series. Some notable characters include:
This is just a brief overview, and the series features many more compelling characters throughout its run.
What You Should Know
1. Is “The Walking Dead” suitable for children?
No, “The Walking Dead” is not recommended for young children due to its TV-MA rating and intense content. The show contains graphic violence, gore, and occasional nudity, making it more appropriate for mature audiences.
Parents should consider the age and maturity level of their children before allowing them to watch the series. It is advisable to watch a few episodes first to gauge its suitability for your family.
2. What is the central theme of “The Walking Dead”?
The central theme of “The Walking Dead” revolves around survival in a post-apocalyptic world. It explores the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of community, and the strength of human relationships.
The series also raises ethical dilemmas and moral questions, prompting viewers to contemplate the nature of humanity and the choices people make under extreme circumstances.
3. How long has “The Walking Dead” been on the air?
“The Walking Dead” premiered on October 31, 2010. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the show has been on the air for over ten years. Please note that the series may have continued beyond that point.
4. Who are some of the main characters in “The Walking Dead”?
“The Walking Dead” features a large ensemble cast with many memorable characters. Some of the main characters include Rick Grimes, the central protagonist and former sheriff’s deputy; Michonne, a skilled warrior with a katana; Daryl Dixon, a skilled hunter and tracker; Carol Peletier, a survivor who undergoes significant character development; and Negan, a charismatic and ruthless antagonist introduced in later seasons.
5. Does “The Walking Dead” follow the storyline of the comic book series?
“The Walking Dead” TV series is based on the comic book series created by Robert Kirkman. While the show initially followed the comic book storyline to a certain extent, there have been deviations and original storylines introduced specifically for the television adaptation. These changes provide fresh and unexpected twists, keeping fans of the comics intrigued and surprised.
6. How would you describe the tone of “The Walking Dead”?
The tone of “The Walking Dead” can be described as intense, suspenseful, and at times, bleak. It often creates a sense of impending danger and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
However, amidst the darkness, the show also incorporates moments of hope, resilience, and emotional depth, balancing the intensity with meaningful character development and exploration of human relationships.
7. Are there any spin-off series or related shows?
Yes, “The Walking Dead” has spawned several spin-off series. These include “Fear the Walking Dead,” which is set in the same universe but focuses on different characters and locations, and “The Walking Dead: World Beyond,” a limited series that explores a new generation of survivors. Additionally, there are plans for more spin-offs and potential crossovers in the future.
8. How does “The Walking Dead” explore social and moral issues?
“The Walking Dead” delves into social and moral issues by presenting characters with challenging situations and ethical dilemmas. It examines how people adapt and evolve in the face of extreme circumstances and explores the choices they make to survive. The series prompts viewers to reflect on concepts such as morality, personal values, and the complexities of human nature.
9. What impact has “The Walking Dead” had on popular culture?
“The Walking Dead” has had a significant impact on popular culture since its debut. It has gained a large and dedicated fanbase, and its characters, catchphrases, and iconic moments have become recognizable and often referenced in various media. The show’s success also contributed to the popularity of the zombie genre and the rise of other post-apocalyptic television series.
10. Can you watch “The Walking Dead” if you haven’t read the comics?
Absolutely! The TV series is designed to be enjoyed by both fans of the comics and newcomers to the franchise. While there may be references or Easter eggs that comic book readers might appreciate, the show stands on its own and tells a compelling story that can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the source material. Watching the show can even serve as an entry point to explore the comics later if desired.
11. How does “The Walking Dead” address diversity and representation?
“The Walking Dead” strives to depict a diverse range of characters from different backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and representation.
The show features characters of various ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations, highlighting the richness and complexity of the post-apocalyptic world. It provides opportunities for underrepresented groups to be seen and heard, fostering a more inclusive and representative narrative.
12. Is there a specific order to watch the series and its spin-offs?
The recommended viewing order is to start with “The Walking Dead” and then proceed to the spin-off series “Fear the Walking Dead.” After that, you can watch “The Walking Dead: World Beyond” if you’re interested. However, each series can also be enjoyed independently, as they have their own distinct storylines and characters.
Suitability for Children and Families
Due to its TV-MA rating and the intense content it contains, “The Walking Dead” may not be suitable for younger viewers. The show’s graphic violence, gore, and occasional nudity make it more appropriate for mature audiences. Parents should consider the age and maturity level of their children before allowing them to watch the series. It’s advisable to watch a few episodes first to gauge its suitability for your family.
Additionally, “The Walking Dead” often delves into complex themes and moral dilemmas, which may require parental guidance and discussion for younger viewers to fully understand and process. It is recommended that parents engage in conversations with their children about the content and provide context when necessary.
Ultimately, the decision to allow children to watch “The Walking Dead” rests with parents or guardians who can assess their child’s readiness to handle the intense and mature content of the series.