Evil (2023) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Sexual content is centered on the forbidden romance between Erik and Marja. This includes kissing and embraces. A later episode features a pivotal sexual situation that is not graphically depicted but has severe consequences for the characters. There are also occasional crude sexual taunts among the students.

Violence is strong, brutal, and central to the plot. The series depicts systemic bullying that includes frequent and intense beatings, group assaults on younger students, and ritualized one-on-one fights. The violence is realistic, often one-sided, and results in visible injuries and emotional distress. Flashbacks also depict severe domestic abuse, including a parent brutally beating a child.

Language is strong and frequent. Profanity includes multiple uses of "f--k," "s--t," and other strong expletives. Aggressive and demeaning slurs are also used by students as a tool of intimidation and bullying.

Substance use is moderate and mostly involves period-appropriate smoking. Students are frequently seen smoking cigarettes in various scenes throughout the season. There are also occasional scenes of social drinking by adults or older students.

The series explores intense and mature themes. The primary focus is on the corrupting nature of power, systemic abuse, and institutional cruelty. Other major themes include toxic masculinity, the cycle of violence, social class hierarchy, and the struggle for justice and morality in a deeply flawed system. Scenes of domestic abuse and psychological trauma are frequent and disturbing.