Network (1976) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: Network
Director: Sidney Lumet
Released: 1976
Duration: 121 min
Rating: 7.8

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

When veteran anchorman Howard Beale is forced to retire his 25-year post because of his age, he announces to viewers that he will kill himself during his farewell broadcast. Network executives rethink their decision when his fanatical tirade results in a spike in ratings.

Rated R • 1976 • 2h 1m

Directed by Sidney Lumet

7.8

2K+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

16+

A TV news anchor is fired and has a mental breakdown on air — and becomes a ratings phenomenon. Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch (who won the Oscar posthumously). The R rating covers language and adult content. One of cinema's great satires — more relevant today than when it was made.

Cast

Faye Dunaway

William Holden

Peter Finch

Robert Duvall

Ned Beatty

Beatrice Straight

Wesley Addy

Arthur Burghardt

Bill Burrows

John Carpenter

Jordan Charney

Kathy Cronkite

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Is Network appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Network

Sex Moderate 4/10

Violence Intense 8/10

Language Strong 5/10

Substances None 0/10

Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in Network, moment by moment

0:08 💬 Language 5/10
0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
0:42 💬 Language 5/10

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Sex and nudity in Network

An affair between a TV executive and a programmer — depicted frankly. Diana's inability to connect emotionally is expressed through her clinical approach to sex.

Violence and gore in Network

A man shot on live television — the film's climax.

Language in Network

Constant strong language — 'I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore' is the quotable surface of a much darker film.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Network

None.

Mature themes in Network

The film predicted Fox News, reality TV, and the monetisation of outrage with extraordinary precision. Television executives treating a mentally ill man's breakdown as entertainment. The market for anger. A film that in 1976 seemed like satire and now reads as documentary.

Bontent Member Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Network appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Network is best for ages 16+. It's rated R. A TV news anchor is fired and has a mental breakdown on air — and becomes a ratings phenomenon. Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch (who won the Oscar posthumously). The R rating covers language and adult content…

What age rating does Network have?

Network is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 16+.

What is Network about?

Is there sex or nudity in Network?

An affair between a TV executive and a programmer — depicted frankly. Diana's inability to connect emotionally is expressed through her clinical approach to sex.

How violent is Network?

A man shot on live television — the film's climax.

Is the language in Network appropriate for kids?

Constant strong language — 'I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore' is the quotable surface of a much darker film.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Network?

None.

What mature themes appear in Network?

How long is Network?

Network runs 121 minutes, directed by Sidney Lumet, released in 1976.

Where can I read the full Network parent guide?

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