Stranger Things became a global hit on Netflix since its release in 2016. The show’s fans praise it for its mix of supernatural suspense, strong character development, and 1980s nostalgia. However, despite its popularity with teens and the fact that young actors star in the series, it still raises significant concerns. More concretely, parents may ask if it is appropriate for younger viewers.
Stranger Things Synopsis
Set in Indiana during the 1980s, a group of kids discover supernatural forces and secret government exploits. Consequently, they start to seek answers while unraveling various extraordinary mysteries.
What is Stranger Things Rated?
In the United States, the official rating for Stranger Things is TV-14. Accordingly, this rating is based on different content factors, including violence, language, scary imagery, and mature content.
Additionally, IMDB provides a poll that shows more specific content ratings.
- Sex & Nudity: Mild
- Violence & Gore: Moderate
- Profanity: Moderate
- Alcohol, Drugs, & Smoking: Mild
- Frightening & Intense Scenes: Severe
What Age is Stranger Things Best For?
The TV-14 rating of the series suggests viewers should be at least 14 years old. At the same time, according to Common Sense Media, Stranger Things is appropriate for audiences aged 14 and above. While the show features a young cast, it is not necessarily ideal for children, considering its mature themes.
Nevertheless, if you are a parent who is eager to watch the show with young kids, you may want to consider watching a few episodes yourself before jumping into it. After all, every child is different. Some may be more emotionally and mentally ready than others to handle the dark aspects of the show.
Why is Stranger Things Rated TV-14?
Many key content areas contribute to the show’s official rating.
- Violence and Frightening Scenes: The series contains physical confrontations, creature attacks, and supernatural violence. In addition, the alternative dimension, known as the Upside Down, can be disturbing for sensitive audiences, especially children.
- Language: Profanity and cursing are present throughout the series, and stronger words appear sporadically.
- Mature Themes: The show tackles sensitive and mature topics, such as death, bullying, friendship, trauma, and government experiments. Subsequently, all these aspects may be too intense for the youngsters.
- Romantic Content: Teens frequently kiss, make several sex references, and get involved in flirting. On the good side, there are no explicit sexual scenes.
Final Thoughts
Stranger Things is an exciting and well-produced series that keeps audiences hooked. It also effectively utilizes its young cast to deliver a unique story. However, it is not ideal for all kids. Based on the discussed factors, the show is best for teens, mature teens, and adults.
