Poster for The Detour

The Detour (2016) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A what-in-the-living-hell-is-wrong-with-this-family comedy created by comic super-couple Jason Jones & Samantha Bee and inspired by their own experiences with family trips. Unfiltered dad Nate hits the road with wife Robin and kids Delilah and Jared. Every leg of their trip is fraught with disaster as they encounter one hellish turn after another. If there's trouble on the road, this family will find it and plow into it.

TV-MA • 2016 • 4 seasons

7.1
100+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
17+

The Detour earns its TV-MA rating primarily through severe and pervasive profanity and frequent, often glorified, substance use. This dark, raunchy comedy centers on a dysfunctional family whose road trips and life choices spiral into chaotic criminal misadventures, consistently placing their children in inappropriate and dangerous situations. While violence is frequent, it is typically presented in a comically over-the-top, slapstick… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Jason Jones
Jason Jones
Natalie Zea
Natalie Zea
Liam Carroll
Liam Carroll
Ashley Gerasimovich
Ashley Gerasimovich
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Is The Detour appropriate for kids?

The Detour earns its TV-MA rating primarily through severe and pervasive profanity and frequent, often glorified, substance use. This dark, raunchy comedy centers on a dysfunctional family whose road trips and life choices spiral into chaotic criminal misadventures, consistently… Read more — free account

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

Substances Intense 10/10
Language Intense 10/10
Sex/Nudity Intense 10/10
Violence/Gore Intense 10/10
Mature Themes Intense 10/10

Sex and nudity in The Detour

Sexual content is moderate with strong innuendo and some explicit situations. There are discussions of sexual acts, and characters are shown in sexually suggestive attire or poses. Episode 7 features implied sexual encounters, and there are multiple references to prostitution and adult themes. While nudity is generally obscured or implied, the focus on adult relationships and sexual humor is explicit.

Violence and gore in The Detour

Violence is mild to moderate, often depicted comically but with underlying peril. Characters are often in danger, such as being stranded in the wilderness or involved in potentially violent confrontations. Episode 9 sees the family crash-landing a plane, leading to discussions of survival in a harsh environment. While not graphic, the threats faced are real, including federal agents pursuing them.

Language in The Detour

Profanity is severe and pervasive. Characters frequently use strong language, including multiple instances of the f-word and s-word, as well as other explicit terms. Verbal arguments are common, employing insults and aggressive dialogue, particularly between Nate and Robin. The children occasionally parrot mild swear words.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Detour

Substance use is frequent and depicted strongly throughout this season. Robin is frequently seen drinking alcohol to excess, often getting drunk at parties and neglecting her family. Episode 5 explicitly mentions meth fumes on a fishing trawler, implying drug use among the crew where Nate works. Characters consume marijuana and alcohol socially at a community gathering in episode 1 and later at various points.

Mature themes in The Detour

This season delves into themes of identity, parenthood, and the consequences of a life of crime. Nate and Robin struggle with their roles as parents while on the run, exposing their children to danger and instability. Delilah experiences puberty and growing up in a chaotic environment, which is a recurring theme. The constant lying and evading the law underscore themes of moral ambiguity and family dysfunction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Detour appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Detour is best for ages 17+. It's rated TV-MA. The Detour earns its TV-MA rating primarily through severe and pervasive profanity and frequent, often glorified, substance use. This dark, raunchy comedy centers on a dysfunctional family whose road trips and life…

What age rating does The Detour have?

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

What is The Detour about?

The Detour earns its TV-MA rating primarily through severe and pervasive profanity and frequent, often glorified, substance use. This dark, raunchy comedy centers on a dysfunctional family whose road trips and life choices spiral into chaotic criminal misadventures, consistently placing their children in inappropriate…

How many seasons does The Detour have?

The Detour has 4 seasons covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in The Detour?

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

How violent is The Detour?

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

Is the language in The Detour appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across The Detour.

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

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

What mature themes appear in The Detour?

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

Where can I read the full The Detour parent guide?

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