The Seven Deadly Sins

TV review by Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media
The Seven Deadly Sins Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 15+

Smart manga-inspired series has edgy sexual content, too.

Online Action 2014
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Parents say

age 14+

Based on 34 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 89 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Seven Deadly Sins is a manga-inspired animated series that's not appropriate for kids or tweens. Though there's nothing sexually explicit (no intercourse or nudity, that is), the central male figure gets handsy with his female counterpart, touching her breasts and butt without permission and, in one case, stealing her underwear while she sleeps. Women also dress provocatively with clothing that hugs their ample curves and accentuates their cleavage. Violence is the other concern, though the bloody bodies and fighting likely won't surprise teens who are used to action movies or series. Expect some language ("damn," "screw you," and "sucked" and name-calling such as "bastard," "jerk," and "hillbilly") as well. That said, the story line is constructed well enough to keep teens' interest in this nontraditional tale of good and evil.

Community Reviews

spendy5
spendy5 Adult
January 9, 2022
age 18+

Sexual assault should not be tolerated in a kids show

As a father, watching this show with my 7 and 9 year old daughters creeped me out. I realize Netflix lists a rating of TV14, but even at that age, kids should not have to accept a show that trivializes sexual assault. The leader "captain " of the group consistently gropes a female character without any indication on screen (from either the victim nor other characters) that this behavior is wrong. Though my kids enjoy the show in general, when my 9 year old daughter told me she "tries to ignore these scenes" I realized that's exactly what leads our society to tolerate sexual assault in real life, and might lead victims not to push back. Compounded with gratuitous cleavage and very short skirts in every scene, which may be commom in the anime genre, the show teaches children (and adults) that women and girls are objects for men's fantasies without any personal rights to their own bodies. The same plot could be well written and animated without such degrading examples for children. I am taking this opportunity to explain to our daughters why groping is not acceptable, and that they need to speak out if they ever feel uncomfortable or threatened in real life. Thanks, Netflix!

This title has:

Too much sex
VanillaB
VanillaB Adult
January 6, 2022
age 18+

Atrocious Message TW Sexual Assault

This anime has a main character which continually sexually assaults one of the female characters, groping them, attempting to remove underwear and going under their dress, all without consent. In the first episode, this female is asleep and the main characters first action when meeting them is to grope her. Absolutely awful message for young boys and girls alike, as at no point does anyone in the anime call out this behaviour.
See all 34 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Eons ago, before the human and nonhuman worlds were separated, the powerful Holy Knights defended the realm of Britannia with great success, protecting its ruling class and citizens alike. But when a small sect betrayed the realm, all the Holy Knights were implicated. Forced to split up and go into hiding for self-preservation, the seven most powerful knights attempted to blend in and be forgotten ... until Princess Elizabeth set out to reunite them in defense of the realm once more.

Is It Any Good?

Tense, heady, and boasting plot twists that spring surprises right and left, this series is an enticing pick for teen manga and fantasy fans. Maturity is key for viewers, since THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS has graphic (for a cartoon, that is) violence, some language, and a lot of sexuality. It's important that teens who watch understand the real-life implications of this last matter especially. Fast-talking Meliodas gets away with a lot of hands-on curiosity around Elizabeth, but the same shouldn't be true of encounters in the real world.

This intriguing series gives viewers a lot to ponder as they watch, most especially the determination of "good" and "evil." It's obvious pretty quickly that these terms are fluid and subjective in these characters' case, and it raises the question of whether that's true in our experiences as well. This well-designed series is enjoyable enough to draw parents as well as teens and encourages follow-up on the themes raised within the show.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the story's heroes. Who are they? Are their actions always heroic, or do they play both sides? Is it unrealistic to expect a real-life role model's behavior to be above reproach?

  • Is the sexual content in this series appropriate? Does it send iffy messages about physical contact between teens? Would similar behavior be OK in the real world? Why, or why not?

  • Do fantasy series such as this one ever make you look at the world differently? Will we ever have all the answers we want about our own history or that of mankind in general? How much of written history must be taken on faith?

TV Details

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