The Civil War (1990) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A documentary on the American Civil War narrated by Ken Burns, covering the secession of the Confederacy to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
TV-14 • 1990 • 1 season
Ken Burns's renowned documentary series *The Civil War* earns its TV-14 rating primarily for its unflinching depiction of the brutal realities of war and slavery. The series extensively uses still photographs of dead and horribly wounded soldiers, bloated bodies on battlefields, and emaciated prisoners of war, conveying the immense scale of suffering through vivid narration. Thematic content is very mature, centering on mass death… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Civil War appropriate for kids?
Ken Burns's renowned documentary series *The Civil War* earns its TV-14 rating primarily for its unflinching depiction of the brutal realities of war and slavery. The series extensively uses still photographs of dead and horribly wounded soldiers, bloated bodies on battlefields… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Civil War Sign up for season-by-season breakdown
Sex and nudity in The Civil War
None. The series maintains a focus on historical and military events, with no sexual content or nudity.
Violence and gore in The Civil War
The series contains strong and frequent depictions of violence primarily through archival photographs and historical accounts. Graphic images of dead soldiers, dismembered bodies, amputations, and the horrific conditions of battlefields and hospitals are shown. Accounts of mass casualties and brutal combat are read throughout.
Language in The Civil War
Profanity is absent from the narration and historical readings. One historical instance of the 'n-word' is read from primary source material, reflecting the period's language regarding slavery.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Civil War
Occasional mentions and visual depictions of alcohol consumption, such as soldiers drinking or Generals being noted for their habits, appear throughout. Smoking (pipes, cigars) is also seen in period photographs and mentioned, reflecting the era.
Mature themes in The Civil War
Pervasive themes include the horrors of war, death, suffering, slavery, racial injustice, political division, and the profound moral questions of the era. The trauma of loss, the struggle for freedom, and the sacrifice of human lives are central to every episode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Civil War appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Civil War is best for ages 14+. It's rated TV-14. Ken Burns's renowned documentary series *The Civil War* earns its TV-14 rating primarily for its unflinching depiction of the brutal realities of war and slavery. The series extensively uses still photographs of dead…
What age rating does The Civil War have?
The Civil War is rated TV-14. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 14+.
What is The Civil War about?
Ken Burns's renowned documentary series *The Civil War* earns its TV-14 rating primarily for its unflinching depiction of the brutal realities of war and slavery. The series extensively uses still photographs of dead and horribly wounded soldiers, bloated bodies on battlefields, and emaciated prisoners of war…
How many seasons does The Civil War have?
The Civil War has 1 season covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.
Is there sex or nudity in The Civil War?
Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across The Civil War.
How violent is The Civil War?
Violence isn't a standout concern across The Civil War per our reviewers.
Is the language in The Civil War appropriate for kids?
Strong language isn't flagged across The Civil War.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Civil War?
Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across The Civil War.
What mature themes appear in The Civil War?
Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of The Civil War.
Where can I read the full The Civil War 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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