Sacred Lies (2018) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Based on the classic Grimm Brothers tale The Handless Maiden, and Stephanie Oakes’ novel The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly, and adapted and updated by Tucker, Sacred Lies is about a handless teen who escapes from a cult and finds herself in juvenile detention, suspected of knowing who killed her cult leader.

TV-MA • 2018 • 2 seasons

Age

17+

Sacred Lies is a dark, psychological thriller that explores the aftermath of extreme religious indoctrination and cult abuse. Rated TV-MA, it contains graphic depictions of self-mutilation, severe psychological trauma, and instances of intense physical violence. Parents should be aware that the narrative frequently centers on the manipulation of minors and the long-term emotional scars resulting from systemic cruelty. The show deals… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Elena Kampouris

Kevin Carroll

Kiana Madeira

Ryan Robbins

Kimiko Glenn

Juliette Lewis

Emily Alyn Lind

Leah Gibson

Hannah Zirke

Siobhan Williams

Jordan Alexander

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Is Sacred Lies appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Sacred Lies Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances Strong 6/10

Language Intense 10/10

Sex/Nudity Strong 6/10

Violence/Gore Intense 10/10

Mature Themes Intense 10/10

Sex and nudity in Sacred Lies

There are no depictions of sexual activity or explicit sexual content in this season. The narrative remains focused on psychological investigation and trauma recovery rather than romantic or sexual subplots.

Violence and gore in Sacred Lies

The show contains graphic and disturbing violence, most notably the amputation of characters' hands, physical abuse within the cult, and scenes involving self-harm and gore.

Language in Sacred Lies

The series features occasional use of strong profanity, including f-words and other coarse language used in the detention center and during intense confrontations.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Sacred Lies

Substance use is infrequent, limited to background or occasional depiction of smoking and alcohol consumption by characters in a modern setting.

Mature themes in Sacred Lies

Mature themes are pervasive, focusing on religious extremism, child abuse, psychological manipulation, loss of identity, murder investigations, and deep-seated trauma.

Bontent Member Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sacred Lies appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Sacred Lies is best for ages 17+. It's rated TV-MA. Sacred Lies is a dark, psychological thriller that explores the aftermath of extreme religious indoctrination and cult abuse. Rated TV-MA, it contains graphic depictions of self-mutilation, severe psychological trauma…

What age rating does Sacred Lies have?

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

What is Sacred Lies about?

How many seasons does Sacred Lies have?

Sacred Lies has 2 seasons covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in Sacred Lies?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across Sacred Lies.

How violent is Sacred Lies?

Violence isn't a standout concern across Sacred Lies per our reviewers.

Is the language in Sacred Lies appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across Sacred Lies.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Sacred Lies?