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Terra Nova (2011) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

In the year 2149, the world is dying. The planet is overdeveloped and overcrowded, with the majority of plant and animal life extinct. The future of mankind is in jeopardy, and its only hope for survival is in the distant past. An ordinary family goes on an extraordinary journey back in time to prehistoric Earth as a part of a massive expedition to save the human race.

TV-14 • 2011 • 1 season

6.8
800+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
12+

Terra Nova earns its TV-14 rating primarily for frequent science-fiction violence and intense, perilous situations involving dinosaurs and armed conflict. The series follows a family who travels from a grim future to a prehistoric colony, where they face dangers from both the environment and other humans. Parents should be aware of frequent dinosaur attacks, which can be frightening and occasionally bloody, as well as shootouts… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Jason O'Mara
Jason O'Mara
Shelley Conn
Shelley Conn
Christine Adams
Christine Adams
Allison Miller
Allison Miller
Landon Liboiron
Landon Liboiron
Naomi Scott
Naomi Scott
Mido Hamada
Mido Hamada
Alana Mansour
Alana Mansour
Stephen Lang
Stephen Lang
Rod Hallett
Rod Hallett
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Is Terra Nova appropriate for kids?

Terra Nova earns its TV-14 rating primarily for frequent science-fiction violence and intense, perilous situations involving dinosaurs and armed conflict. The series follows a family who travels from a grim future to a prehistoric colony, where they face dangers from both the… Read more — free account

Content severity in Terra Nova Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances Mild 2/10
Language Moderate 4/10
Sex/Nudity Moderate 4/10
Violence/Gore Intense 10/10
Mature Themes Intense 10/10

Sex and nudity in Terra Nova

Sexual content is limited. There are brief, chaste kisses between married couples or romantic interests. A scene is implied where a husband and wife are about to engage in intimacy but are interrupted; no nudity or explicit actions are shown. Discussions of pregnancy and birth occur in a non-sexual context.

Violence and gore in Terra Nova

Violence is a central and frequent element, depicting a constant struggle for survival. This includes numerous dinosaur attacks, which often show people being mauled, dragged away, or eaten, sometimes with brief, non-graphic blood visible. Human-on-human violence involves frequent gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, stabbings, and explosions. Multiple characters die throughout the season, with varying degrees of visual depiction of their injuries. A character removes a tracker from his chest with a knife, showing…

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Language in Terra Nova

Language is infrequent and generally mild, including words like "damn" and "hell." Stronger profanity like "bitch" or "ass" is used very sparingly, typically in moments of intense frustration or anger.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Terra Nova

Substance use is minimal. Characters are occasionally seen consuming alcohol casually in social settings, such as at a bar or during celebrations. There is no depiction of drug use or smoking, and intoxication is not a plot point.

Mature themes in Terra Nova

Themes of survival, family separation, and the ethics of a new society are present. The series explores the dangers of a prehistoric environment and the conflict between different human factions (Terra Nova colonists, the Sixers, and the Phoenix Group). Characters grapple with moral dilemmas, betrayal, and the consequences of past actions. Mild frightening/intense scenes occur due to dinosaur threats and human conflict.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Terra Nova appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Terra Nova is best for ages 12+. It's rated TV-14. Terra Nova earns its TV-14 rating primarily for frequent science-fiction violence and intense, perilous situations involving dinosaurs and armed conflict. The series follows a family who travels from a grim future to a…

What age rating does Terra Nova have?

Terra Nova is rated TV-14. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 12+.

What is Terra Nova about?

Terra Nova earns its TV-14 rating primarily for frequent science-fiction violence and intense, perilous situations involving dinosaurs and armed conflict. The series follows a family who travels from a grim future to a prehistoric colony, where they face dangers from both the environment and other humans. Parents…

How many seasons does Terra Nova have?

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

Is there sex or nudity in Terra Nova?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across Terra Nova.

How violent is Terra Nova?

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

Is the language in Terra Nova appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across Terra Nova.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Terra Nova?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across Terra Nova.

What mature themes appear in Terra Nova?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of Terra Nova.

Where can I read the full Terra Nova parent guide?

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