Parents' Guide to Mary & George

TV Starz Drama 2024
Mary & George: A Jacobean woman looks directly into the camera standing next to a man whispering into a king's ear

Common Sense Media Review

Stephanie Morgan By Stephanie Morgan , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 17+

Dark drama about scheming in 17th-century royal court.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 17+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 18+

Based on 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Set at the dawn of the 17th century, MARY & GEORGE follows the Countess of Buckingham as she orchestrates her son's rise to power by positioning him as a lover to King James I. The series unravels a web of secrets and strategies, showcasing the countess's ruthless tactics to restore her family's fortunes and guard her darkest secrets.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 2 ):
Kids say : Not yet rated

Moore delivers a formidable performance as the Countess, a character whose machinations and cold ambition are both horrifying and mesmerizing. Mary & George's modern score and lavish sets provide a rich backdrop to the sinister plot. The fast-paced storytelling keeps the episodes engaging, offering a blend of historical drama with a contemporary feel that keeps the audience guessing, but the heavy emphasis on violence and sexual content may be too much for many viewers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about historical accuracy vs. dramatization. Discuss how history is portrayed in television shows. What might filmmakers change or emphasize for dramatic purposes?

  • The series includes strong and often derogatory language. How does language influence our perception of characters and their actions? What is the impact of using harsh language in media on audiences?

  • With numerous scenes of violence and its effects on characters, discuss the impact of viewing such content. How does exposure to violence in media affect people, especially young viewers? What responsibilities do creators have when portraying violence?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

Mary & George: A Jacobean woman looks directly into the camera standing next to a man whispering into a king's ear

What to Watch Next

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate