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The Equalizer (1985) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Robert McCall is a former agent of a secret government agency who is now running his own private crime fighting operation where he fashions himself as "The Equalizer." It is a service for victims of the system who have exhausted all possible means of seeking justice and have nowhere to go. McCall promises to even out the odds for them.

TV-PG • 1985 • 4 seasons

7.1
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

This 1980s vigilante series follows a retired spy who helps people terrorized by criminals. The show's primary content concerns are its constant action violence, sustained peril, and mature thematic material, making it most appropriate for older teens and adults. Each episode features gunfights, brawls, kidnappings, and explosions, though consistent with its original broadcast standards, the violence is not graphic and shows very… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Edward Woodward
Edward Woodward
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Is The Equalizer appropriate for kids?

This 1980s vigilante series follows a retired spy who helps people terrorized by criminals. The show's primary content concerns are its constant action violence, sustained peril, and mature thematic material, making it most appropriate for older teens and adults. Each episode… Read more — free account

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

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

Sex and nudity in The Equalizer

Sexual content is primarily hinted at or implied. Several storylines involve sexual assault, though these acts are never explicitly shown and focus on the aftermath and victims' trauma. One episode features a woman being pressured for sexual favors in exchange for her husband's freedom, and another deals with child pornography, albeit discreetly.

Violence and gore in The Equalizer

This season continues to feature moderate to strong violence, including frequent shootouts, fistfights, and explosions. Characters are often threatened with weapons, kidnapped, or subjected to implied torture, particularly in episodes like 'Mission: McCall.' While injuries and deaths occur, graphic depictions are usually avoided, with focus on the aftermath or the struggle itself.

Language in The Equalizer

Language is generally mild. Common expletives like 'damn' and 'hell' are used infrequently, typically during moments of stress or frustration. Stronger profanity is largely absent, maintaining the show's overall conservative approach to dialogue.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Equalizer

Occasional alcohol consumption, such as characters drinking in bars or at home, is depicted, but rarely to the point of obvious intoxication. One episode specifically deals with a son's fascination with a drug dealer and a clinic doctor refusing to provide drugs to gang members, indicating a presence of drug-related plot points, though explicit drug use is not graphically shown.

Mature themes in The Equalizer

This season delves into several weighty themes such as political corruption, racial prejudice, addiction, domestic abuse, sexual assault (implied), and the psychological toll of violence. Human trafficking and hostage situations are also featured, adding to the overall intense and mature thematic content. 'Splinters' showcases themes of betrayal and psychological manipulation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Equalizer appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Equalizer is best for ages 13+. It's rated TV-PG. This 1980s vigilante series follows a retired spy who helps people terrorized by criminals. The show's primary content concerns are its constant action violence, sustained peril, and mature thematic material, making it…

What age rating does The Equalizer have?

The Equalizer is rated TV-PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is The Equalizer about?

This 1980s vigilante series follows a retired spy who helps people terrorized by criminals. The show's primary content concerns are its constant action violence, sustained peril, and mature thematic material, making it most appropriate for older teens and adults. Each episode features gunfights, brawls, kidnappings…

How many seasons does The Equalizer have?

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

Is there sex or nudity in The Equalizer?

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

How violent is The Equalizer?

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

Is the language in The Equalizer appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across The Equalizer.

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

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

What mature themes appear in The Equalizer?

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

Where can I read the full The Equalizer parent guide?

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