Skip to content 
Youโve just got a subscription with your TV provider, and youโre eager to start watching some of the shows that are really catching your interest.
But then you see TV-MA show up on the screen before the show starts.
So, now youโre thinking what does TV-MA mean?
Cable TV networks, streaming services and program producers are requires to provide various TV ratings for their programs to help consumers make informed decisions about what they want to watch.
Itโs a way to gauge how age-appropriate the show or program is so that parents and guardians can decide the shows or programs that are suitable for their kids to watch.
Table of Contents
What does TV-MA mean?
TV-MA stands for TV Mature Audience, and it means that this particular show isnโt suitable for children of any age, due to violent or sexually explicit content.
It doesnโt necessarily mean pornographic content.
There are plenty of other reasons why these shows might be rated as such, so you shouldnโt jump to conclusions about what kind of content is going on in a TV-MA show without properly investigating it first.
That being said, TV-MA is an indication that the program will contain mature, adult material that may not be suitable for children under 17 years of age.
This is usually because of strong language, drug use or graphic violence.
The Mature Audience classification is a TV Parental Guideline rating that is enforced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The FCC requires that all television networks and stations place the rating for any program following a programโs viewing time.
It can also be included in program listings and programs on streaming services as well.
The V-chip on your TV can be utilized by you or your parents.
It will block any program marked with a TV-MA rating from being viewed by anyone in the household whoโs not of the specified age.
Some programs or shows also have their own TV-MA rating.
Long-running television series like โThe Simpsonsโ or newer shows like โGothamโ all share this rating to help parents and guardians make informed decisions about what may be suitable for their familyโs viewing.
Is TV-MA worse than rated R?
So, what does TV-MA mean? Is it worse than an R rating?
In some cases, TV-MA is considered the equivalent of R rated with the difference being that thereโs more graphic or explicit content depicted in TV-MA programming.
The Mature Audience labeling system is enforced differently between film and television.
For motion pictures, the MPAA rating system is used, which includes G, PG and R ratings.
Mature Audience is the age old equivalent of an R rating.
However, because of TVโs capacity to be more explicit and detailed with its content in a way that film cannot be, the FCC added an additional level of maturity rating to its guidelines.
So, TV-MA means more of what is deemed as strong content for a show.
On the other hand, R-rated programming does have some adult material but is not necessarily of the same level as a TV-MA show.
In fact, some kids under the age of 17 years might be allowed to watch the content but only under the supervision of an adult or guardian.
What does TV-MA mean on Netflix?
Netflix ratings are different from those that you would see on television or cable TV.
It is because Netflix is not a television network.
It is considered to be a streaming service.
It gives users access to various TV shows and movies that can be watched on the userโs computer or smart TV with internet access, including their Xbox, PlayStation or console.
TV-MA on Netflix means the same as on television.
It is not suitable for children under 17 years old, and its content contains mature, adult material that may not be suitable for younger viewers.
The content depicted in a TV-MA program could include strong language, drug use or graphic violence and all this content is uncensored.
Youโll find that there are also a lot of adult shows and movies on Netflix that are rated TV-MA.
Shows like โItโs Always Sunny in Philadelphiaโ, โBojack Horsemanโ and many more all have this rating applied to them, so you should make your own conclusions about what the show is depicting based on the description available to you before committing yourself to watching it.
What kind of content will have a TV-MA rating?
TV-MA doesnโt necessarily mean pornographic content.
It is more of a guideline.
This rating is only applied to programs in which it can be traced.
For example, if a program is depicting graphic nudity or violent acts against people, such as rape scenes, then the program would be given this rating.
It is usually applied to content that was originally broadcast on cable networks.
Broadcasters like HBO and Showtime used to be free with their programs and shows but were required by law to add the TV-MA rating when they started incorporating adult or mature material in their programming.
R Rated shows on Netflix can also be rated TV-MA like โThe Walking Deadโโ.
This is because of the mature content that it contains.
However, explicit language or drug use is not necessarily used to give a show this rating as it could simply be to demonstrate the strong attitude of the characters portrayed in that particular show.
You might also see this rating applied to animation series on Netflix like โSouth Parkโ or โThe Simpsonsโ just to distinguish between what kids and adults can watch.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, TV-MA is a television rating that is used to describe programming that contains material considered inappropriate for children under 17 years old.
This rating is enforced by the Federal Communications Commission and you should carefully consider if you are going to watch the program or not.
TV-MA is used for programs depicting graphic violence, nudity or strong sexual content, drug use and/or explicit language.
FAQs
Can 13-year-olds watch TV-MA?
No. Children under the age of 17 years must not be allowed to watch TV-MA.
If you are older than this age, you might still be able to watch some shows, but it is up to the parents to ensure that they are not watching TV-MA content.
How do I know if a show is TV-MA?
The rating is typically at the beginning of the show and will also be listed in the program guide of your TV.
The rating is usually right after the programโs title but in some cases, it may be listed immediately following a programโs description.
How old do you have to be to watch TV-MA content?
You must be at least 18 years of age to watch TV-MA content.
