The Barrier (2020) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
One family’s fight for survival in a future dystopian Madrid illustrates the disparity between two worlds separated by a fence — and so much more.
TV-MA • 2020 • 1 season
The Barrier (La Valla) is a dark, dystopian thriller whose content is appropriate for mature viewers only. The series would warrant a high rating primarily for its intense and often brutal violence, as well as its deeply disturbing mature themes. Viewers can expect frequent scenes of state-sanctioned violence, including shootings, public beatings, and violent interrogations at the hands of soldiers. The central plot revolves around… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Barrier appropriate for kids?
The Barrier (La Valla) is a dark, dystopian thriller whose content is appropriate for mature viewers only. The series would warrant a high rating primarily for its intense and often brutal violence, as well as its deeply disturbing mature themes. Viewers can expect frequent… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Barrier Sign up for season-by-season breakdown
Sex and nudity in The Barrier
Sexual content is very light. It includes some kissing between married couples and brief, non-explicit partial nudity (a character's back). One character's past as a prostitute is a minor plot point, but there is no depiction of sexual acts.
Violence and gore in The Barrier
Violence is significant and increases in intensity. It includes scenes of riots, shootings with bloody wounds shown, physical fights, characters being held at gunpoint, and scenes of people sick and dying from a virus. A character is murdered off-screen, and threats are common.
Language in The Barrier
The original Spanish audio contains moderate profanity, including 'joder' (f--k), 'mierda' (s--t), and other curses. The language is used in moments of high stress or anger but is not constant.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Barrier
Social drinking is occasionally present at parties or in homes, with characters having wine or spirits. Substance use is infrequent and not a central focus of the story.
Mature themes in The Barrier
Thematic content is sustained, intense, and often disturbing. The series is centered on mature and unsettling themes, including a deadly global pandemic, authoritarian government oppression, medical experimentation on children without consent, family separation and child abduction, grief, and societal collapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Barrier appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Barrier is best for ages 17+. It's rated TV-MA. The Barrier (La Valla) is a dark, dystopian thriller whose content is appropriate for mature viewers only. The series would warrant a high rating primarily for its intense and often brutal violence, as well as its…
What age rating does The Barrier have?
The Barrier is rated TV-MA. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is The Barrier about?
The Barrier (La Valla) is a dark, dystopian thriller whose content is appropriate for mature viewers only. The series would warrant a high rating primarily for its intense and often brutal violence, as well as its deeply disturbing mature themes. Viewers can expect frequent scenes of state-sanctioned violence…
How many seasons does The Barrier have?
The Barrier has 1 season covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.
Is there sex or nudity in The Barrier?
Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across The Barrier.
How violent is The Barrier?
Violence isn't a standout concern across The Barrier per our reviewers.
Is the language in The Barrier appropriate for kids?
Strong language isn't flagged across The Barrier.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Barrier?
Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across The Barrier.
What mature themes appear in The Barrier?
Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of The Barrier.
Where can I read the full The Barrier parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock season-by-season notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your watchlist.
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