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The Blacklist (2013) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Raymond "Red" Reddington, one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives, surrenders in person at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He claims that he and the FBI have the same interests: bringing down dangerous criminals and terrorists. In the last two decades, he's made a list of criminals and terrorists that matter the most but the FBI cannot find because it does not know they exist. Reddington calls this "The Blacklist". Reddington will co-operate, but insists that he will speak only to Elizabeth Keen, a rookie FBI profiler.

TV-14 • 2013 • 10 seasons

7.6
2K+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
14+

This long-running crime thriller follows a master criminal who assists an FBI task force in hunting down dangerous global terrorists and criminals. The series earns its TV-14 rating for frequent and often intense sequences of violence that are a core part of its procedural formula. Viewers can expect shootouts, stabbings, explosions, and scenes of torture; while these moments can be brutal and bloody, they generally stop short of being… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

James Spader
James Spader
Diego Klattenhoff
Diego Klattenhoff
Hisham Tawfiq
Hisham Tawfiq
Anya Banerjee
Anya Banerjee
Harry Lennix
Harry Lennix
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Is The Blacklist appropriate for kids?

This long-running crime thriller follows a master criminal who assists an FBI task force in hunting down dangerous global terrorists and criminals. The series earns its TV-14 rating for frequent and often intense sequences of violence that are a core part of its procedural… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Blacklist Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances Intense 8/10
Language Intense 8/10
Sex/Nudity Moderate 4/10
Violence/Gore Intense 10/10
Mature Themes Intense 10/10

Sex and nudity in The Blacklist

Sexual content is minimal. There are occasional suggestive remarks, implications of past romantic relationships, and brief, non-explicit kisses. One episode features a female crime ring whose members sometimes use their sexuality to manipulate targets, including a scene of implied sexual activity without nudity or graphic detail. No explicit sexual acts are shown.

Violence and gore in The Blacklist

Violence is strong and frequent, often graphic and impactful. This season features numerous shootouts with bloody aftermaths, stabbings, and intense hand-to-hand combat. Characters are shown being tortured, including waterboarding and severe beatings, with some scenes focusing on the pain and psychological trauma inflicted. Assassinations are common, and there are explicit depictions of dead bodies and significant blood splatter. A major character undergoes medical torture with crude tools.

Language in The Blacklist

Moderate use of strong language is present throughout the season. Words like 'hell,' 'damn,' 'bitch,' 'ass,' and 'son of a bitch' are heard regularly, particularly during moments of high stress or anger. More infrequent uses of 'sh*t' and 'f**k' occur, though often censored or used sparingly to emphasize particular moments.

Mature themes in The Blacklist

Major themes include betrayal, revenge, grief, and the moral compromises made in the pursuit of justice. Liz grapples with her identity and the implications of her past, while Red continues to navigate the criminal underworld with his nuanced moral code. The season explores themes of loss and coping with the death of loved ones, particularly after a major character fatality. Parental relationships and the choices parents make for their children are also central.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Blacklist appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Blacklist is best for ages 14+. It's rated TV-14. This long-running crime thriller follows a master criminal who assists an FBI task force in hunting down dangerous global terrorists and criminals. The series earns its TV-14 rating for frequent and often intense…

What age rating does The Blacklist have?

The Blacklist is rated TV-14. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 14+.

What is The Blacklist about?

This long-running crime thriller follows a master criminal who assists an FBI task force in hunting down dangerous global terrorists and criminals. The series earns its TV-14 rating for frequent and often intense sequences of violence that are a core part of its procedural formula. Viewers can expect shootouts…

How many seasons does The Blacklist have?

The Blacklist has 10 seasons covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in The Blacklist?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across The Blacklist.

How violent is The Blacklist?

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

Is the language in The Blacklist appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across The Blacklist.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Blacklist?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across The Blacklist.

What mature themes appear in The Blacklist?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of The Blacklist.

Where can I read the full The Blacklist parent guide?

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