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Breaking Bad

(Rated TV-MA, Drama, Starring Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul, Where to watch: AMC, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 16.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Morally ambiguous show is all about drugs.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The main character is a terminally ill chemistry teacher who decides to make methamphetamines as a way to earn cash quick for his family -- understandable motives, but his methods are questionable at best. The main law enforcement agent also makes several racist comments about Mexicans.

  • Violence:

    Some shooting and threats of shooting; other physical scuffles and attacks; at least one explosion. In one scene, in an attempt to defend himself, Walt creates phosphine gas and poisons his attackers; later, the consequences are shown, and Walt and Jesse must dispose of one of the bodies -- which turns into a disgusting, bloody mess.

  • Sex:

    In one scene, a bare-breasted woman leans out a window, but her breasts are blurred out. Walt and his wife have some intense sexual encounters, but nothing graphic is shown -- it's all implied.

  • Language:

    Audible language includes words like "ass" and "bitch," while "f--k" and "bulls--t" are muted. References to male anatomy, including "dick" and "prick." A character flips some others the bird.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The show revolves around making and selling illegal drugs. Walt is touted by the dealers as an artist for his skill at making methamphetamines.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Breaking Bad

Parents need to know that this show isn't intended for kids; its intense, morally ambiguous characters and storylines are a better fit for mature audiences. The main character is an essentially good person who's driven to extreme negative behavior (manufacturing methamphetamines and more) by depression and desperation. Plus, there's a good bit of swearing (though "f--k" is muted), some violence, and some sexual content (a woman is shown topless, but her breasts are blurred, etc.).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why it's interesting to explore what happens when good people go bad. Is Walt's behavior justified? How do you think you'd react in a similar situation? Do you think the media is the right forum to explore this kind of negative behavior? Why or why not?
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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    eastside01
    Lives in Utah
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 4.0

    Breaking Bad breaks new ground.

    This great series from Writer/Creator Vince Gilligan makes me wonder how Actor Bryan Cranston went from low-brow humor on Malcolm in the middle to great dramatic actor in Breaking Bad, but it's not only him that carries the show it's the very talented support Aaron Paul that brings Cranston in the drug business. I recommend this clever fast paced show to anyone who likes good drama.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    thebaloob123
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Okay...I'm Hooked...

    FORGET THE REVEIWER! This is an amazing show! I love it so much! Bryan Cranston is amazing in this show! He is a phenominal perfomance! The show has some swearing and sh*t (I can't belive I had to cencore that) is not bleedped out. But the violence is pretty gross but nothing to wory about, the worst part is when a body is disolved in a bath tub and the floor breaks sending the spongey chunks of the gun to the ground. The drugs are used alot (as of episode 3 they have used: Meth, Pot, Crack, and I think Coke) The sexual content is nothing. So overall a 13 or 14+ on it.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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