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The Brokenwood Mysteries (2014) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

In a seemingly quiet country town the newest resident, Detective Inspector Mike Shepherd, finds that murder lurks in even the most homely location.

TV-14 • 2014 • 12 seasons

7.6
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

The Brokenwood Mysteries is a quirky, slow-paced New Zealand whodunit series. Its TV-14 rating is primarily due to its central subject matter: murder. Each feature-length episode involves a new homicide investigation, and while the discovery of dead bodies is a constant, the violence itself is almost never shown on screen and the corpses are rarely bloody or gory. Other content is mild, including social drinking (often at wineries… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Neill Rea
Neill Rea
Fern Sutherland
Fern Sutherland
Cristina Șerban-Ionda
Cristina Șerban-Ionda
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Is The Brokenwood Mysteries appropriate for kids?

The Brokenwood Mysteries is a quirky, slow-paced New Zealand whodunit series. Its TV-14 rating is primarily due to its central subject matter: murder. Each feature-length episode involves a new homicide investigation, and while the discovery of dead bodies is a constant, the… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Brokenwood Mysteries Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances Intense 10/10
Language Strong 6/10
Sex/Nudity Intense 8/10
Violence/Gore Intense 10/10
Mature Themes Intense 10/10

Sex and nudity in The Brokenwood Mysteries

Mild sexual innuendo and themes are present. There are mentions of affairs, past relationships, and romantic entanglements as part of murder motives. No nudity or explicit sexual content is shown; any suggestive content is implied or discussed discreetly as part of character backstories or relationships. A character is suspected of having multiple affairs in "The Garotte and the Vinklebraun".

Violence and gore in The Brokenwood Mysteries

Violence in Season 11 is primarily focused on the discovery of murder victims. Bodies are shown in various states, sometimes with visible injuries or in positions indicating a violent death, such as a man stabbed during a séance or crushed by a chandelier. However, the acts of violence themselves are always off-screen, and gore is limited and not explicit, focusing more on the aftermath. Mild peril or tension may arise during investigations, but explicit combat is absent.

Language in The Brokenwood Mysteries

Mild profanity is used infrequently, including words like "damn" and "hell." Stronger language is rare, but a moderate expletive akin to a 'bloody' or 'bitch' might occur once or twice per episode, often in moments of stress or anger. Dialogue throughout is generally sophisticated and not reliant on harsh language.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Brokenwood Mysteries

Moderate depiction of alcohol consumption. Characters are frequently seen drinking wine, beer, or cocktails in social settings, such as at the local pub, during dinner parties, or at a health retreat in "The Witches of Brokenwood." Occasional scenes imply intoxication, but there is no glorification of excessive use or drug use depicted beyond mentions as part of a backstory or investigation.

Mature themes in The Brokenwood Mysteries

Moderate mature themes are explored, including murder, greed, betrayal, and familial disputes. Episodes often delve into hidden secrets, long-held grudges, and the darker aspects of human nature. The theme of revenge is present in several episodes, along with the complexities of small-town relationships and social pressures. Grief and loss are sometimes touched upon in the context of murder victims, though not as a primary focus.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Brokenwood Mysteries appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Brokenwood Mysteries is best for ages 13+. It's rated TV-14. The Brokenwood Mysteries is a quirky, slow-paced New Zealand whodunit series. Its TV-14 rating is primarily due to its central subject matter: murder. Each feature-length episode involves a new homicide investigation…

What age rating does The Brokenwood Mysteries have?

The Brokenwood Mysteries is rated TV-14. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is The Brokenwood Mysteries about?

The Brokenwood Mysteries is a quirky, slow-paced New Zealand whodunit series. Its TV-14 rating is primarily due to its central subject matter: murder. Each feature-length episode involves a new homicide investigation, and while the discovery of dead bodies is a constant, the violence itself is almost never shown on…

How many seasons does The Brokenwood Mysteries have?

The Brokenwood Mysteries has 12 seasons covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in The Brokenwood Mysteries?

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

How violent is The Brokenwood Mysteries?

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

Is the language in The Brokenwood Mysteries appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across The Brokenwood Mysteries.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Brokenwood Mysteries?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across The Brokenwood Mysteries.

What mature themes appear in The Brokenwood Mysteries?

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

Where can I read the full The Brokenwood Mysteries parent guide?

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