Parents' Guide to

Preacher

By Joyce Slaton, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Bloody, clever series has not-for-kids ultra-violent mayhem.

TV AMC Drama 2016
Preacher Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

See all
age 17+

Based on 4 parent reviews

TikiDad2
TikiDad2 Parent
September 24, 2019
age 18+

Graphic Body Horror Comedy not suitable for kids

If Preacher were to be rated by the MPAA, it would likely be too graphic for the R-rating and instead get an NC-17. The content is so disturbing it’s surprising it’s even allowed to be on basic cable, however it’s one of the programs which highlights a movement by both Network and Basic Cable to try to enter the same boundless territory as paid cable like HBO and Starz. To get an idea of how graphic and sadistic the violence is, just read the Parents Guide on IMDB for a list of awful descriptions.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
James Owen
James Owen Parent of 15-year-old
June 5, 2018
age 15+

Fairly Interesting

Hi, I am James Owen, age 13. I have viewed the first couple of episodes of Preacher season 1. During what I have seen so far, there has been strong violence and very often very graffic gore. I have seen many films which also include this content such as Jigsaw and Hellraiser and I am quite immune to the gore and violence now. If, like me you are immune then it shouldnt be a problem just DO NOT WATCH INFRONT OF YOUNG OR SENSITIVE PEOPLE as it gets very gory (Cutting off limbs ect). If you have seen stuff like that before then I would think you would be fine. I have had my parents permission to watch these things before you think I am lying to my mum. Anyway, thanks for reading and I hope i gave you some helpful info about Preacher series 1.

This title has:

Too much violence
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In tiny Texas town Annville, PREACHER Jesse Custer (Dominic Cooper) was already having a crisis of faith while subbing in as leader of a lackadaisical congregation for his murdered father when three very bad things showed up: a comet that cries like a baby and seems to be making other "possessed" religious leaders suddenly explode in a shower of gore, an Irish vampire hiding out in Annville after dispatching a group of vampire hunters, and, possibly worst of all, his ex-main squeeze Tulip (Ruth Negga), who's urging him to take a nefarious job he doesn't want. He hasn't been a good preacher nor a good man, not so far. But everything's changed now. The new Jesse is ready -- ready to be responsible for the souls of his congregation and for the otherworldly rumble that's just getting started.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (4):

Loopy, ultra-violent, and surreal, this comic book adaptation centers on an intriguing premise for viewers who appreciate crackling action and fresh characterizations. The show's tone is set by its opening scene, in which a mysterious comet crosses the galaxy and whooshes cinematically into an African preacher who proclaims himself the new prophet in front of his astonished congregation before exploding and splattering his listeners with gore. That's Preacher in a nutshell: gruesome humor that doesn't actually make a lot of sense -- yet. Soon after, we're thrown into a struggle to the death in a car speeding in a cornfield, the bravura introduction to Tulip, a beautiful and mysterious woman from Jesse's past who might have very dark plans for his future.

Or does she? The plot points are so out-there -- a teen known as "arseface" who's atoning for some terrible sin? An abused wife who masochistically loves the pain? A vampire on the lam? -- that those who haven't read the series on which it's based may have some trouble figuring out exactly what's going on. But the type of viewer who can handle Walking Dead-level violence and Sin City-esque stylized violence will appreciate taking the time to work it all out. Warning to parents: The violence is truly blood-and-guts gory; carefully consider whether your children should watch with you, alone, or at all.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Preacher is an extraordinarily violent show, with bloody injuries and frequent on-screen deaths. Why do some dramas show blood and guts? Is it entertaining for the viewer? For you? What's the impact of media violence on kids? Would the level of violence make you uncomfortable about watching with a young friend or relative? Your mom? Your grandmother?

  • Movies and TV shows often show religious figures to be untrustworthy or dangerous. Why? Would it be as dramatic to show a religious figure who was honorable and helpful? Think about some ways you have seen priests, nuns, preachers, and other spiritual leaders depicted. How many of them were "good" vs. "bad"?

  • Comic books adaptations are common on TV and in movies. What other adaptations can you name? Is it more or less enjoyable to watch a show when you haven't read the comic books on which it's based?

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 suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended tv lists

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