 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Game of Thrones
Common Sense Media says
Artful fantasy series heavy on sexuality and violence.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this big-budget fantasy series frequently depicts graphic, detailed acts of violence (including at least one violent act upon a child), as well as female nudity and graphic sexuality. Sexuality is portrayed in an especially iffy manner, with explicit discussion and depiction of incest, adultery, and rape. Strong language, including "f--k," is frequent. While the series is well produced, the content is questionable for all but adult viewers.
What's the story?
Adapted from the popular series of fantasy novels by George R.R. Martin, GAME OF THRONES is set in the fictional medieval kingdom of Westeros and follows a number of characters through political intrigue, emotional drama, and fierce battles. Lord Eddard Stark (Sean Bean) is the central figure, acting as chief adviser for his boyhood friend, King Robert (Mark Addy). Stark must act as protector and patriarch of his family and the throne itself as threats emerge from both distant lands and nearby traitors.
Is it any good?
Like most HBO series, Game of Thrones benefits greatly from the budget and talent poured into its execution. This is an artful series; the script is intelligently written and well-acted, and the direction and cinematography are easily on par with any Oscar-nominated film. It's easy to get drawn into the machinations of Westeros; the show is compulsive viewing.
Unfortunately, there are very specific moments of brutal sexuality that pull the viewer out of the narrative toward no apparent purpose. Certainly Westeros is a dark world inhabited by some very disturbing characters. It's still difficult to justify the way that rape and incest are eroticized by the show's writing and direction. Surely there are better ways to illustrate a character's moral bankruptcy than with sexual violence, and the violence is at times lingered upon in a very unsettling way. While these moments may be mitigated by later plot developments in the series (which has at least five novels to draw upon), that doesn't change their impact as they happen. For viewers who can tolerate these incidents, the merits of the series may win out. Others should skip it.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the impact of sexual violence on television. Is the sex depicted in this series appropriate for the story? What messages do viewers take away about sex from watching this series?
Does the show's violence go too far? Is it too graphic? Why or why not?
What are women's roles in this series? Are they important players, or accessories? What about people of color? Where do they fit in?
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AGE
Parents should have been warned!!
I have been watching this with my almost 14 year old son who loves anything to do with knights, medieval life, battles and armor. However there is way way too much graphic sex in this series to make it comfortable for a kid his age to watch, especially with his MOM right there. But more than this - the show airs on Sunday nights at 9 (still pretty early) and there is NO warning for parents, no hint that there is going to be graphic sexual scenes. The last episode ( 5-15) features a scene with more full sexual activity plus full full frontal nudity for the woman and the man (albeit for one quick second) but still...this show has such a good story line - the sex is gratuitous and unecessary. The makers could hinted at sex between characters more subtley but instead seem to enjoy making parents squirm. I am no prude but I wish there had been a rating on this and a much much later hour!!
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AGE
One of the best, most epic Television series of all time.
The show is brilliant, based on a brilliant book; an epic tale with quite simply the best casting I've ever seen in a televised series.
On the subject of the sex; it's there to shock, in all it's gritty realism. Wait until a scene where a member of the primitive "tribe" is shown how to be a gentle lover; it's really quite moving.
Yes, the violence is shocking, but again; it's gritty and realistic which adds to the enthralling nature of the brilliant screen writing, acting and scripting.
I watch this with my 13-year old brother when he stays round, and he loves it; not for the sex or the violence, but for the same reasons I do; the epic setting, storyline and suspense.
My brother is very mature when it comes to things that are judged to be "unsuitable" for his age, but every youngling is different. I do have to mention, however, that to give a series the lowest rating for sex/violence rather than the storyline, characters and scriptwriting is quite dismissive (:
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AGE
Engaging, but not for kids
Game of Thrones is an adult series, which is graphically interesting with a surprisingly engaging narrative. The setting, timing, and themes of rivalry between different kingdoms, and rivalry within each kingdom, would appeal to children 8 and above. However, the violence and sex are just not appropriate until 17 and beyond. All sex has been depicted from behind only, and in a very aggressive way. One couple engaging in consensual sex are brother and sister. There is lots of conversation about whoring and drinking among the two moral main characters, although one seems to have a positive marriage.
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AGE
Iffy for ages 15- 17
Game of Thrones is quite a slow, dull show at first, but when you watch you second episode you can really get into the characters and the story. I haven't read the book, I'm hate reading to be honest but I bet it's a good book from what I've seen so far in the Tv series. Now down to the iffy stuff, two blonde characters were exiled from the seven kingdoms, they are brother and sister. The brother forces his sister to marry a leader of a savage tribe so they can invade the great kingdoms and be the king. Obviously he is a real d--k to his sister and she often (against her will) has to have sex with the tribe leader for his brothers will. The sex is probably the most graphic part of the series, there is some strong language and rare (but gory) violence. I'm 15 and my brother lets me watch the show but my parents probably wouldn't let me watch it until I was 18. However I think the show is appropriate for 15-year-olds.
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AGE
Winter is coming
This is a really good series. I absolutely loved it. But I don't think I'd let my kids watch it until they were at least 15-16 depending on maturity level. There are frequently scenes of graphic sexuality not necessary in any way, other than keeping the audience entertained during extended scenes of monologues. There is also graphic violence and intense fighting and battle. The sex and violence combine to create a fantastical hyper-reality of fantasy so I understand why they are so over the top. Just be aware of it.
The story is great. There is honor and dishonor, betrayal and redemption. Can't wait for more seasons!
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AGE
Amazing Show
I read the books and absolutely loved them, and the TV show just brought it to life. It's true that it has language "problems", but those just make the dialogue more realistic. True, some curses weren't around then, but if they talked in medieval English, we wouldn't understand them; it was pretty much a different language back then. Besides, most were. And, yes, there is graphic sexual and violent content, but that adds a sense of realism to the show. Why is it necessary to "hint at" things when it's on an HBO show based on an adult book series clearly geared towards adults? That's not to say, of course, that it can't be enjoyed by non-adults; I enjoyed it personally and can't wait to let my younger siblings in on the fun. My only complaint is that sometimes the sexual content detracts from the show by being blatantly fanservice-driven rather than expository. Other than that, though, (and the horrible casting of Shae), it was amazing! Five stars, two thumbs up, show to anyone who loves fantasy and can handle a bit of grit.
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AGE
I Want to Play A Game of Thrones
A very artistic television show. Definitely not for anyone 16 or under. I'm 17, I was able to handle most of the material, but some violent parts still made me queasy (the sex was a little gratuitous at times, but it could be worse). Aside from violence, the story is very engaging. The four different plot lines are seemingly unrelated in the beginning, but soon intertwine and depend on each other in ways I didn't see coming. The characters are well-developed in a world that was masterfully created and realized. Plus it has a catchy title. "A Game of Thrones." Just say it. You'll feel cool.
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AGE
Medieval Show is a Winner -NOT for kids
Game of Thrones is complicated, sumptuous, and a great followup for series like The Lord of the Rings, The Pillars of the Earth, and the like. The storyline is complicated and rich, the interplay between the policies, desires, and intermarriages of the various kingdoms is realistic and thoughtful. As great as the story is, and as much of a draw as it will be for fantasy buffs, it is not for children, nor for most adults. Game of Thrones is horrifically violent, graphically sexual, and deals with subject matter that is very very mature (including incest, sexual violence, the extreme harshness of the medieval ages, and the chilling, capricious, will of power-drunk men). Not at all for teenagers of any age.
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AGE
Depends on the kid
Yes, it's violent. Yes, there is too much unnecessary graphic sex.
But once you get past that, it's a great story. I watch on a computer as I have to stream from the US to Australia. I also have the common sense to fast-forward stuff that's just too inappropriate.
I'm pretty mature for my age, and I can deal with realistic violence.
So get to know your kids I guess, but don't be turned off a great show
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy |
| TV rating: | TV-MA |
| Network: | HBO |
| Cast: | Mark Addy, Peter Dinklage, Sean Bean |
| Genre: | Drama |
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