In today’s streaming world, kids and teens have more access to television than any generation before them. Between Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube, a child can go from watching Bluey to Stranger Things in just a few clicks.
That’s why understanding TV ratings isn’t just useful — it’s essential.
These ratings aren’t meant to ban or block shows. They’re tools that help parents, guardians, and caregivers decide what’s appropriate for their family’s values and their child’s maturity level.
In this guide, we’ll explain how the U.S. TV Parental Guidelines work, what each rating (TV-Y through TV-MA) means, and how major streaming services apply them. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to find shows that fit your family’s comfort zone — without guesswork or confusion.
What Are the TV Parental Guidelines?
The TV Parental Guidelines are the official U.S. television rating system, designed to help viewers understand a program’s suitability for different age groups.
They were introduced in 1997 by the TV Parental Guidelines Monitoring Board — a collaboration between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), broadcasters, and entertainment companies.
You’ve seen them before: those small icons like “TV-Y7” or “TV-MA” that appear at the start of a show.
Each rating gives you a quick idea of:
- Which age group does the program suit
- What kind of content elements does it include (like language or violence)
These ratings apply to all forms of television distributed in the United States — including broadcast, cable, satellite, and streaming platforms.
They’re voluntary but widely adopted, and you’ll find them on networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, FX, and across streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and Max.
How the TV Rating System Works
Every U.S. television program falls into one of six main ratings. Here’s a simple breakdown before we explore each one in detail:
| Rating | Stands For | Suitable For | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV-Y | All Children | Ages 2–6 | Content created especially for young children. |
| TV-Y7 | Older Children | Ages 7+ | May include mild fantasy violence or adventure. |
| TV-G | General Audience | All ages | Little or no violence, language, or sexual content. |
| TV-PG | Parental Guidance Suggested | Ages 10+ | Some material may not suit younger children. |
| TV-14 | Parents Strongly Cautioned | Ages 14+ | May include stronger themes, language, or action. |
| TV-MA | Mature Audience Only | Ages 17+ | Contains explicit material not suitable for minors. |
Alongside the rating, you’ll sometimes see content descriptors — single letters that describe why a program received its rating. These letters appear under or beside the main rating icon:
| Descriptor | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V | Violence | Fight scenes, mild peril |
| S | Sexual situations | Romance, partial nudity |
| L | Coarse language | Swearing, adult words |
| D | Suggestive dialogue | Mature or flirty conversations |
| FV | Fantasy violence | Used only with TV-Y7 (cartoon or adventure battles) |
For example:
- “TV-PG-L” means Parental Guidance Suggested with coarse language.
- “TV-Y7-FV” means Older Children with fantasy violence (like in Avatar: The Last Airbender).
Understanding Each TV Rating
Below is an overview of what each rating really means in practice, along with examples parents will recognize.
Each one will later have its own full article, linked from here — just like your Movie Ratings series.
TV-Y (All Children)
- Best for: Ages 2–6
- Content: Specifically made for preschoolers; no violence, no sexual content, no adult themes.
- Examples: Bluey, Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
- Why it matters: Safe for even the youngest viewers. Ideal for early learning and imagination.
TV-Y7 (Older Children)
- Best for: Ages 7+
- Content: Mild fantasy action or adventure. Can include cartoon battles or magical peril but always presented in a lighthearted way.
- Descriptors: “FV” often appears for Fantasy Violence.
- Examples: SpongeBob SquarePants, The Owl House, Pokémon, Teen Titans Go!
- Parent tip: Still kid-friendly, but check for intensity if your child is sensitive to action or suspense.
TV-G (General Audience)
- Best for: All ages, but mainly family viewing.
- Content: Clean humor, positive themes, minimal language.
- Examples: America’s Funniest Home Videos, The Great British Baking Show, Wild Kratts
- Why it matters: Safe for everyone — no content that would offend parents.
TV-PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
- Best for: Ages 10+ (watch with parents)
- Content: Some mild language, comic violence, or suggestive humor.
- Examples: The Simpsons, Modern Family, Young Sheldon
- Why it matters: Introduces slightly mature humor or emotional depth; parents should be aware of tone.
TV-14 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
- Best for: Ages 14+
- Content: Moderate violence, mature themes, or sexual content.
- Examples: Stranger Things, Outer Banks, Grey’s Anatomy
- Why it matters: Designed for older teens who can understand complex or intense storytelling.
TV-MA (Mature Audiences Only)
- Best for: Ages 17+ and adults
- Content: Explicit sexual material, graphic violence, or strong language.
- Examples: The Boys, House of the Dragon, The Witcher
- Why it matters: Not suitable for minors under any circumstances; for adult viewers only.
How Streaming Services Handle TV Ratings
With streaming dominating home entertainment, each major platform now uses adapted versions of the TV Parental Guidelines, along with custom parental control tools. Let’s look at the big players:
Netflix
Netflix uses a combination of MPA-style film ratings and TV Parental Guidelines.
You’ll see labels like “TV-PG,” “TV-MA,” or “PG-13,” depending on the show or movie.
Netflix also has maturity levels:
- Little Kids – TV-Y, TV-G
- Older Kids – TV-Y7, TV-Y7-FV, PG
- Teens – TV-14, PG-13
- Adults – R, TV-MA, NC-17
Parental Controls:
- Create Kids profiles that automatically block mature content.
- Set PIN restrictions for specific ratings.
- Turn off autoplay previews.
Disney+
Disney+ primarily targets family audiences, but still labels content clearly:
- TV-Y, TV-G, TV-PG for classic or family shows
- TV-14 or TV-MA for Marvel and Star Wars series with action or darker themes
Parental Controls:
- Kids Profiles (only G, TV-Y, TV-G content)
- PIN locks for parental accounts
- Ability to hide mature-rated content entirely
Amazon Prime Video
Prime Video uses a mixture of U.S. TV ratings and international age ratings depending on the user’s country.
In the U.S., it follows the TV-Y → TV-MA format.
Parental Controls:
- You can filter shows by maturity rating.
- Set PINs to block playback above certain ratings.
- Shows always display the rating and reason (“for violence, language,” etc.) before streaming.
Hulu
Hulu follows the standard TV Parental Guidelines, with ratings shown on every program page.
Many of its popular shows like Only Murders in the Building (TV-MA) or Abbott Elementary (TV-PG) use the system accurately.
Parental Controls:
- Create child profiles (limited to TV-Y through TV-PG).
- Disable mature content globally on shared accounts.
Max (formerly HBO Max)
Max offers both family programming and mature originals. You’ll find everything from Sesame Street (TV-Y) to Euphoria (TV-MA).
Parental Controls:
- Profile-level restrictions
- Locked content access by PIN
- Rating labels on every title page
Understanding TV Content Descriptors (V, S, L, D, FV)
Each TV rating may include one or more content letters. Here’s what each stands for and how to interpret it:
| Code | Meaning | What It Signals |
|---|---|---|
| V | Violence | May include fights, peril, or aggression. |
| S | Sexual Situations | Includes kissing, suggestive talk, or romance. |
| L | Language | Contains mild or strong words. |
| D | Dialogue | Mature or suggestive conversations. |
| FV | Fantasy Violence | Non-realistic action (only with TV-Y7). |
Example:
- “TV-14-VL” → Parents strongly cautioned for violence and language.
- “TV-Y7-FV” → Suitable for 7+, but with fantasy-style combat.
Age-by-Suitability Chart for TV Genres
| Age Range | Suitable Genres | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 3–6 | Educational, Animation, Nature | Bluey, Wild Kratts, Sesame Street |
| 7–10 | Family Adventure, Comedy, Mystery | The Owl House, Gravity Falls, Carmen Sandiego |
| 11–13 | Teen Fantasy, Sitcoms, Light Drama | Heartstopper, Cobra Kai, Anne with an E |
| 14–16 | Sci-Fi, Action, Mystery, Drama | Stranger Things, Wednesday, The Flash |
| 17+ | Mature Dramas, Thrillers, Dark Fantasy | House of the Dragon, The Boys, The Witcher |
Tips for Parents: Managing TV & Streaming Content
- Preview Beforehand: Watch the trailer or the first few minutes yourself.
- Use Parental Controls: Every major platform lets you filter by age or block mature shows.
- Watch Together: Discuss themes or confusing scenes afterward.
- Set Viewing Limits: Avoid binge-watching marathons on weekends.
- Encourage Variety: Mix fun shows with educational or inspiring ones.
- Don’t Rely on Ratings Alone: Every child’s sensitivity is different — trust your instincts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What’s the difference between TV-14 and TV-MA?
TV-14 allows moderate mature content; TV-MA includes explicit material for adults only.
Q. Are streaming ratings the same as cable ratings?
Yes, most major U.S. platforms follow the same TV Parental Guidelines.
Q. Can I block TV-MA content on Netflix or Disney+?
Absolutely. Use PIN settings or Kids profiles to block content above your chosen maturity level.
Q. Why do some cartoons have higher ratings?
Animated shows can include mature humor, action, or suggestive jokes — check the content details, not just the animation style.
Q. Who sets the ratings for shows?
Networks and streaming services assign ratings based on TVPG Board guidelines, often reviewed by the TV Parental Guidelines Monitoring Board.
Conclusion: Ratings Are Tools, Not Barriers
TV ratings are not about censorship — they’re about empowerment.
They give families a way to filter content, build healthy viewing habits, and discuss media together.
By understanding the TV rating system and how platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ apply it, you can make entertainment choices that fit your family’s values and your child’s readiness.
The best viewing isn’t just safe — it’s shared, meaningful, and age-wise.