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The Great (2020) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A genre-bending, anti-historical ride through 18th century Russia following the rise of Catherine the Nothing to Catherine the Great and her explosive relationship with husband Peter, the emperor of Russia.

TV-MA • 2020 • 3 seasons

8.1
1K+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
17+

This satirical and 'anti-historical' series dramatizes Catherine the Great's rise to power, earning its TV-MA rating for its unflinching depiction of a hedonistic and brutal 18th-century Russian court. The primary reasons for the rating are pervasive, severe profanity (including constant use of 'f--k' and 'c--t') and extensive sexual content. Sexual material includes graphic and crude dialogue, numerous simulated sex scenes, and both… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Elle Fanning
Elle Fanning
Nicholas Hoult
Nicholas Hoult
Phoebe Fox
Phoebe Fox
Gwilym Lee
Gwilym Lee
Adam Godley
Adam Godley
Douglas Hodge
Douglas Hodge
Belinda Bromilow
Belinda Bromilow
Bayo Gbadamosi
Bayo Gbadamosi
Charity Wakefield
Charity Wakefield
Florence Keith-Roach
Florence Keith-Roach
Grace Molony
Grace Molony
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Is The Great appropriate for kids?

This satirical and 'anti-historical' series dramatizes Catherine the Great's rise to power, earning its TV-MA rating for its unflinching depiction of a hedonistic and brutal 18th-century Russian court. The primary reasons for the rating are pervasive, severe profanity (including… Read more — free account

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

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

Sex and nudity in The Great

Strong sexual content is present in most episodes. This includes depicted sex scenes, often with implied thrusting, moaning, and some upper nudity (breasts and buttocks), though full frontal nudity is rare. Discussions of sex, fidelity, and sexual acts are common, sometimes with graphic detail or crude humor. There are instances of implied incestuous relations and a sequence involving a 'science fair' with anatomical models.

Violence and gore in The Great

Moderate violence occurs, often with a darkly comedic or exaggerated tone, but can still be graphic. This includes stabbings, shootings, and physical assaults, sometimes resulting in blood spray or visible injury. Characters are killed, and there are occasional depictions of torture. A character is repeatedly shot and killed in one episode, and another is decapitated off-screen with the result shown.

Language in The Great

Frequent strong profanity is present in nearly every episode, including 'f**k', 'c**t', 'sh*t', 'bitch', and 'a**hole'. The language is used casually by many characters in moments of anger, frustration, or general conversation, reflecting the show's irreverent tone.

Mature themes in The Great

Central themes include grief, loss, identity, marital strain, betrayal, ambition, and the psychological impact of power. Peter grapples with his father's legacy and feelings of inadequacy. Catherine deals with immense emotional challenges, including profound grief and the pressures of leadership. Other themes include mental health struggles, political maneuvering, prejudice, and social reform.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Great appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Great is best for ages 17+. It's rated TV-MA. This satirical and 'anti-historical' series dramatizes Catherine the Great's rise to power, earning its TV-MA rating for its unflinching depiction of a hedonistic and brutal 18th-century Russian court. The primary…

What age rating does The Great have?

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

What is The Great about?

This satirical and 'anti-historical' series dramatizes Catherine the Great's rise to power, earning its TV-MA rating for its unflinching depiction of a hedonistic and brutal 18th-century Russian court. The primary reasons for the rating are pervasive, severe profanity (including constant use of 'f--k' and 'c--t') and…

How many seasons does The Great have?

The Great has 3 seasons covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in The Great?

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

How violent is The Great?

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

Is the language in The Great appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across The Great.

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

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

What mature themes appear in The Great?

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

Where can I read the full The Great parent guide?

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