Poster for Mad Dogs

Mad Dogs (2015) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

When a group of underachieving 40-something friends gather in Belize to celebrate the early retirement of an old friend, a series of wild, comedic events unfold, exposing dark secrets and a web of lies, deception and murder.

TV-MA • 2015 • 1 season

6.5
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
17+

Rated TV-MA, this dark comedy thriller earns its rating with pervasive strong profanity, sudden and graphic violence, and sustained intense themes. The story follows a group of friends whose vacation spirals into a nightmare of crime and paranoia, leading to frequent high-stakes tension and brutal events, including bloody shootings. Parents should also be aware of some sexual content, including a scene with female nudity, and a plot… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Steve Zahn
Steve Zahn
María Botto
María Botto
Billy Zane
Billy Zane
Romany Malco
Romany Malco
Michael Imperioli
Michael Imperioli
Ben Chaplin
Ben Chaplin
Athena Karkanis
Athena Karkanis
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Is Mad Dogs appropriate for kids?

Rated TV-MA, this dark comedy thriller earns its rating with pervasive strong profanity, sudden and graphic violence, and sustained intense themes. The story follows a group of friends whose vacation spirals into a nightmare of crime and paranoia, leading to frequent high-stakes… Read more — free account

Content severity in Mad Dogs Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances Intense 8/10
Language Intense 10/10
Sex/Nudity Intense 10/10
Violence/Gore Intense 10/10
Mature Themes Intense 10/10

Sex and nudity in Mad Dogs

Sexual content is moderate. There is a scene depicting a woman on top of a man during intercourse, with exposed breasts, and sexual moaning. Another scene shows a character watching pornography on TV, with explicit sexual acts visible on screen. Innuendo and discussions of sexual encounters are also present.

Violence and gore in Mad Dogs

Violence is strong and graphic. Multiple characters are killed, often in brutal and bloody ways, including gunshots to the head, stabbings, and severe beatings. Chase sequences, kidnappings, implied torture, and shootouts are frequent. Dead bodies, including a friend's corpse, are shown and handled by the characters, contributing to the grim atmosphere.

Language in Mad Dogs

Profanity is severe and pervasive. Characters use strong language frequently throughout all episodes, including the F-word, S-word, and other expletives in dialogue, particularly when under stress or in arguments. The language is consistent with adult conversations in high-stakes situations.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Mad Dogs

Substance use is mild. Characters are seen casually drinking alcohol at parties and bars. There are mentions of drug money and illicit drug dealings involving cartels, with a duffel bag of drugs being a central plot device, but no actual drug use is explicitly shown by the main characters.

Mature themes in Mad Dogs

Themes are severe, focusing on moral decay, betrayal, and the psychological toll of extreme stress. The series explores how ordinary men react when pushed to their limits, forcing them to commit desperate acts. Topics include criminal conspiracy, the fragility of friendship, and facing the consequences of past actions, leading to intense psychological horror and existential dread.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mad Dogs appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Mad Dogs is best for ages 17+. It's rated TV-MA. Rated TV-MA, this dark comedy thriller earns its rating with pervasive strong profanity, sudden and graphic violence, and sustained intense themes. The story follows a group of friends whose vacation spirals into a…

What age rating does Mad Dogs have?

Mad Dogs is rated TV-MA. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.

What is Mad Dogs about?

Rated TV-MA, this dark comedy thriller earns its rating with pervasive strong profanity, sudden and graphic violence, and sustained intense themes. The story follows a group of friends whose vacation spirals into a nightmare of crime and paranoia, leading to frequent high-stakes tension and brutal events, including…

How many seasons does Mad Dogs have?

Mad Dogs has 1 season covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in Mad Dogs?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across Mad Dogs.

How violent is Mad Dogs?

Violence isn't a standout concern across Mad Dogs per our reviewers.

Is the language in Mad Dogs appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across Mad Dogs.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Mad Dogs?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across Mad Dogs.

What mature themes appear in Mad Dogs?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of Mad Dogs.

Where can I read the full Mad Dogs parent guide?

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