Outlander Parents Guide: Why You Should Be Cautious
Starz's Outlander, adapted from Diana Gabaldon's fantasy book series, has gained popularity as a historical drama. Featuring strong performances by Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe, the show blends time travel with 18th-century Scottish history, making it tempting to add to children’s streaming lists. However, Outlander is not appropriate for young viewers.
Content and Rating Overview
The series is rated TV-MA in the United States, indicating it is intended for mature audiences only. It includes historically accurate events like the Jacobite Rebellion, the Battle of Culloden, and the Highlander lifestyle, but also contains explicit violence and graphic scenes.
“Some of the mature themes and bloody scenes are even unfit for faint-hearted adults, making it an unsuitable title for your children.”
International Ratings
- R in most major countries
- R18 in New Zealand
- 18+ in the UK, Thailand, Canada, South Africa, and Russia
- 19+ in South Korea
Mature ratings typically reflect the presence of coarse language, sexual content, and violence.
Considerations Before Watching with Children
Despite its historical accuracy and compelling storyline, the graphic nature of violence and mature themes in Outlander make it unsuitable for children or sensitive viewers.
The combination of explicit content and adult themes means parents should carefully evaluate before allowing children to watch.
Author's summary: While Outlander is a captivating historical drama, its mature themes and graphic violence make it inappropriate for young audiences and sensitive viewers.