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Kings

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Ian McShane, Christopher Egan, Susanna Thompson, Where to watch: NBC, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Complex palace intrigue may be too much for kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    King Silas is beloved by his subjects, who see him as a wise and benevolent leader, but in fact he's a capricious despot. He manipulates everyone around him and has no qualms about imprisoning his enemies or ordering the assassinations of people he sees as rivals or threats. He clearly loves his family, though it's a poorly kept secret that he's fathered a child with his longtime mistress. Silas is also unwilling to accept that his son is gay.
  • Violence:

    The kingdom is at war, and there are some battle scenes, though they show little actual fighting or violence. There are plenty of heated exchanges, some of which escalate to blows.
  • Sex:

    Some flirting, and many characters speculate about who's going out with whom. The king's son seems to enjoy the easy access to women that comes with his position, but his party-boy image is actually a front to disguise the fact that he's gay.
  • Language:

    Little salty language. One character refers to a woman as a "whore."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some social drinking and a few scenes of debauchery at bars and nightclubs as the king's son maintains his party-boy image.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Kings

Parents need to know that this drama -- which is set in a fictional modern-day country -- is all about intrigue. Characters are embroiled in complicated court scheming, constantly jockeying for position and influence. There's plenty of plotting and even a few assassinations, though little violence takes place on screen. And while there's plenty of gossiping about the characters' romantic lives, not too much sex is shown. But although the show isn't as racy as some of its primetime compatriots, the complex relationships and machinations may be too complicated for kids or even young teens to follow.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why they think this show is set in a fictional country with a king instead of a real-world democracy like the United States. How does that affect the story and the characters? How are monarchies different from democracies? Do you think a monarchy seems like an effective way to rule a modern country? How does King Silas differ from kings in fairy tales, swords 'n' sorcery movies, and other stories? Would you consider this show a fantasy or a drama? Why?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0

    LOVE THIS SHOW!!!!!!

    i love how it retells the epic of David and Goliath. And also about king Saul and his son Jonathan! lolzzz i love this show.

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