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

Sexual content is more explicit than in the previous season. One episode features prolonged, non-sexual full-frontal male nudity, including close-ups of four men urinating. There's also mention of prostitution and pimps. A female detective is seen showering, with her bare back and side of breasts visible through blurred glass.

Violence in Season 1 varies from darkly comedic to moderately graphic. Early on, a man is seen knocking himself out by hitting his head with a sock of dimes. Later, a convenience store owner is shot dead, shown lying in a pool of blood. John himself is subjected to violence, including having teeth pulled, with blood clearly visible. There are other instances of characters being shot or suffering physical harm, often with a detached or dryly humorous presentation, but the blood and consequences are shown.

Frequent strong language is present throughout the season. The word 'fuck' and its variations are used regularly, alongside 'shit,' 'asshole,' 'bitch,' and 'damn.' The profanity often serves to emphasize John's frustration, stress, or the dark comedic tone of the show. Some instances involve characters losing their temper and using expletives in outbursts.

Major themes include the psychological toll of espionage, trauma, mental illness (John's deteriorating state, self-harm, and suicidal ideation), and the moral ambiguities of covert operations. The series explores family dysfunction, particularly in the relationship between John and his father/brother, and the sacrifices made for perceived national security. There are also themes of political corruption and the grim realities of international relations.