It's a Sin (2021) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Name: It's a Sin
Rating: 7.9

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A chronicle of five friends during a decade in which everything changed, including the rise of AIDS.

TV-MA • 2021 • 1 season

7.9

200+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

15+

A group of young gay men — Ritchie, Roscoe, Colin, and their friend Jill — share a flat in London from 1981 to 1991, living fully and joyfully as the AIDS epidemic begins to take everything. Created by Russell T Davies. Channel 4/HBO Max. 1 season. One of the most emotionally devastating and most important pieces of television about the AIDS crisis. Not appropriate for younger teens.

Cast

Olly Alexander

Omari Douglas

Callum Scott Howells

Lydia West

Nathaniel Curtis

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Is It's a Sin appropriate for kids?

Content severity in It's a Sin Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances Strong 6/10

Language Strong 6/10

Sex/Nudity Strong 6/10

Violence/Gore None 0/10

Mature Themes Intense 8/10

Sex and nudity in It's a Sin

Explicit adult sexual content — the show depicts gay sex with the same directness it would depict any sexuality. It is not gratuitous; it is human. Parents should preview before teens under 16 watch.

Violence and gore in It's a Sin

None in the traditional sense. The violence is medical and societal — AIDS deaths, family rejection, governmental indifference.

Language in It's a Sin

The series features frequent use of strong profanity, including the 'f-word' used in both aggressive and conversational contexts. The dialogue is frank and period-specific, often incorporating derogatory homophobic slurs to illustrate the era's social climate alongside earthy British slang. Characters speak with a blunt openness that reflects their close-knit bond and the emotional intensity of their decade-long journey.

Mature themes in It's a Sin

The show is the most important piece of television about AIDS in a generation. Ritchie's denial, Colin's death, the parents' responses — each one a different portrait of how the epidemic touched different lives differently. Jill's role — a straight woman who shows up, every time, without being asked — is the show's portrait of what allyship actually looks like.

Bontent Member Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It's a Sin appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests It's a Sin is best for ages 15+. It's rated TV-MA. A group of young gay men — Ritchie, Roscoe, Colin, and their friend Jill — share a flat in London from 1981 to 1991, living fully and joyfully as the AIDS epidemic begins to take everything. Created by Russell T Davies…

What age rating does It's a Sin have?

It's a Sin is rated TV-MA. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 15+.

What is It's a Sin about?

How many seasons does It's a Sin have?

It's a Sin has 1 season covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in It's a Sin?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across It's a Sin.

How violent is It's a Sin?

Violence isn't a standout concern across It's a Sin per our reviewers.

Is the language in It's a Sin appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across It's a Sin.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in It's a Sin?