Poster for The Confession

The Confession (2011) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

On Christmas Eve, a hit-man enters a church to confess his sins to a priest. While at first the Confessor seems to be an evil, cold-blooded killing machine and the Priest the ultimate arbiter of good, as the Confessor’s journey is revealed, it becomes clear that both men are much more complicated than either could have suspected.

TV-MA • 2011 • 1 season

7.3
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
17+

This intense, dialogue-driven psychological thriller centers on a hitman confessing his sins to a priest, but its unrated status masks content suitable only for mature adults. The series earns its mature tone primarily through strong, bloody violence and deeply disturbing thematic material. Flashbacks depict brutal, up-close killings, including point-blank shootings with significant blood spray and scenes of torture. In addition to… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Kiefer Sutherland
Kiefer Sutherland
John Hurt
John Hurt
Max Casella
Max Casella
Michael Badalucco
Michael Badalucco
Greg Ellis
Greg Ellis
Daniel London
Daniel London
Sebastian Beacon
Sebastian Beacon
Curtis McClarin
Curtis McClarin
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Is The Confession appropriate for kids?

This intense, dialogue-driven psychological thriller centers on a hitman confessing his sins to a priest, but its unrated status masks content suitable only for mature adults. The series earns its mature tone primarily through strong, bloody violence and deeply disturbing… Read more — free account

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

Substances None 0/10
Language Intense 10/10
Sex/Nudity Moderate 4/10
Violence/Gore Intense 10/10
Mature Themes Intense 10/10

Sex and nudity in The Confession

Sexual content is very mild and primarily consists of an implied past event. A man mentions being 'touched' and 'shared with friends' by older men in his youth, but this is only spoken and not depicted.

Violence and gore in The Confession

Violence is severe and often graphic, presented through both detailed descriptions and flashbacks. This includes point-blank shootings with blood spray, intense beatings with objects like crowbars, tasering, and depictions of torture. Characters are shown dying, and there are intense scenes of peril and threats involving firearms.

Language in The Confession

Strong language is frequent, with multiple uses of 'f**k' and 'sh**' throughout the season. Other milder expletives are also present during intense conversations and flashbacks of violent encounters.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Confession

Substance use is entirely absent from this season. There is no depiction of alcohol, drugs, or smoking.

Mature themes in The Confession

This season explores severe themes of murder, sin, confession, moral accountability, and the nature of good versus evil. Characters recount graphic acts of violence and discuss justification for killing. There are also themes of past abuse, domestic violence, and a suspenseful cat-and-mouse dynamic between the confessor and the priest.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Confession appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Confession is best for ages 17+. It's rated TV-MA. This intense, dialogue-driven psychological thriller centers on a hitman confessing his sins to a priest, but its unrated status masks content suitable only for mature adults. The series earns its mature tone primarily…

What age rating does The Confession have?

The Confession is rated TV-MA. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.

What is The Confession about?

This intense, dialogue-driven psychological thriller centers on a hitman confessing his sins to a priest, but its unrated status masks content suitable only for mature adults. The series earns its mature tone primarily through strong, bloody violence and deeply disturbing thematic material. Flashbacks depict brutal…

How many seasons does The Confession have?

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

Is there sex or nudity in The Confession?

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

How violent is The Confession?

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

Is the language in The Confession appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across The Confession.

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

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

What mature themes appear in The Confession?

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

Where can I read the full The Confession parent guide?

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