Poster for Surface

Surface (2022) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A traumatic head injury leaves Sophie with extreme memory loss. In her quest to put the pieces of her life back together—with help from her husband and friends—Sophie begins to question the truth behind her picture-perfect life.

TV-MA • 2022 • 2 seasons

6.2
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
17+

This psychological thriller follows a woman with amnesia as she uncovers disturbing truths about her seemingly perfect life, husband, and herself. The series is rated TV-MA primarily for its mature and complex themes, which include a suicide attempt, infidelity, financial crime, and persistent psychological manipulation. While violence is largely absent and sexual content lacks explicit nudity, there are scenes of intimacy, both within… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Millie Brady
Millie Brady
Phil Dunster
Phil Dunster
Gavin Drea
Gavin Drea
Freida Pinto
Freida Pinto
Rupert Graves
Rupert Graves
Joely Richardson
Joely Richardson
Tara Fitzgerald
Tara Fitzgerald
Nina Sosanya
Nina Sosanya
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Is Surface appropriate for kids?

This psychological thriller follows a woman with amnesia as she uncovers disturbing truths about her seemingly perfect life, husband, and herself. The series is rated TV-MA primarily for its mature and complex themes, which include a suicide attempt, infidelity, financial crime… Read more — free account

Content severity in Surface Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

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

Sex and nudity in Surface

Some sexual situations are implied or briefly depicted. There is a scene of implied sexual intimacy between a married couple with some kissing and embracing, without nudity. Infidelity is a central theme, with affairs discussed and shown through flashbacks involving kissing and intimate moments between characters who are not spouses. No graphic nudity is present.

Violence and gore in Surface

Violence is minimal and mostly implied or depicted non-graphically. The central premise revolves around Sophie's apparent suicide attempt, which is shown in brief, unsettling flashbacks of her falling from a ferry. There are a few instances of characters grabbing or pushing each other during arguments, and a brief, non-graphic struggle involving a character being restrained. No blood or gore is shown.

Language in Surface

Strong language is used frequently throughout the season, including multiple instances of the 'f-word' and its derivatives. Other profanities such as 'sh*t,' 'bitch,' 'asshole,' and 'damn' are also used regularly by various characters, often in moments of stress or anger.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Surface

Alcohol consumption is frequent throughout the season, with characters regularly drinking socially, in bars, or at home. Sophie herself drinks regularly, often as a coping mechanism or when experiencing distress, though not to the point of incapacitation. There's also one instance where a character consumes a hallucinogen, leading to a disorienting sequence.

Mature themes in Surface

The season is steeped in mature themes of betrayal, identity, manipulation, and the corruptive nature of power. Sophie grapples with a fragmented memory and the discovery of traumatic past events. Characters engage in intricate schemes to uncover or conceal truths, leading to significant psychological drama and moral ambiguity among the main cast.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surface appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Surface is best for ages 17+. It's rated TV-MA. This psychological thriller follows a woman with amnesia as she uncovers disturbing truths about her seemingly perfect life, husband, and herself. The series is rated TV-MA primarily for its mature and complex themes…

What age rating does Surface have?

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

What is Surface about?

This psychological thriller follows a woman with amnesia as she uncovers disturbing truths about her seemingly perfect life, husband, and herself. The series is rated TV-MA primarily for its mature and complex themes, which include a suicide attempt, infidelity, financial crime, and persistent psychological…

How many seasons does Surface have?

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

Is there sex or nudity in Surface?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across Surface.

How violent is Surface?

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

Is the language in Surface appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across Surface.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Surface?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across Surface.

What mature themes appear in Surface?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of Surface.

Where can I read the full Surface parent guide?

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