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The Listeners (2024) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

An English teacher begins to hear a low humming sound that no one else around her can hear.

TV-MA • 2024 • 1 season

Age
17+

The Listeners is a slow-burn psychological drama centered on an English teacher who begins hearing a mysterious hum. Despite a lack of violence, the series is intended for mature audiences due to its complex and challenging adult themes, including a heavily implied sexual affair between a teacher and a minor student, explorations of mental health, and marital breakdown. Parents should also be aware of moderate profanity and some… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Rebecca Hall
Rebecca Hall
Ollie West
Ollie West
Prasanna Puwanarajah
Prasanna Puwanarajah
Mia Tharia
Mia Tharia
Amr Waked
Amr Waked
Gayle Rankin
Gayle Rankin
Samuel Edward-Cook
Samuel Edward-Cook
Karen Henthorn
Karen Henthorn
Lucy Sheen
Lucy Sheen
Franc Ashman
Franc Ashman
SM
Shreya M. Patel
Ian Mercer
Ian Mercer
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Is The Listeners appropriate for kids?

The Listeners is a slow-burn psychological drama centered on an English teacher who begins hearing a mysterious hum. Despite a lack of violence, the series is intended for mature audiences due to its complex and challenging adult themes, including a heavily implied sexual affair… Read more — free account

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

Substances Intense 8/10
Language Intense 10/10
Sex/Nudity Intense 10/10
Violence/Gore Mild 2/10
Mature Themes Intense 10/10

Sex and nudity in The Listeners

The series heavily implies an inappropriate extra-marital affair between Claire, a teacher, and Kyle, her underage student, though no explicit sexual acts are shown. There is one brief scene where a woman is seen in her underwear while getting ready for bed, and another where a naked body is partially visible through a foggy shower door, with no clear details.

Violence and gore in The Listeners

Violence is largely absent in this season. The narrative focuses more on psychological intensity and social conflict rather than physical confrontation. One episode culminates in a tragic event that is implied rather than graphically depicted, involving a character's death without on-screen violence.

Language in The Listeners

Frequent use of strong profanity, including 'f**k,' 'sh*t,' and other expletives, is present throughout the season. Language is often used to express frustration, anger, or distress, particularly as Claire and other characters grapple with their experiences and the reactions of those around them.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Listeners

Characters are shown drinking alcohol casually in social settings, such as at a bar or during group meetings. There is no explicit drug use or glorification of substance abuse, but alcohol serves as a minor coping mechanism for some characters dealing with their anxieties.

Mature themes in The Listeners

The primary themes revolve around mental health, isolation, and the search for understanding in the face of an inexplicable phenomenon. Characters experience significant psychological distress, paranoia, and alienation as they cope with hearing the 'hum.' The show also explores themes of illicit relationships, cult-like group dynamics, and the impact of societal skepticism on individuals experiencing unusual sensory phenomena, leading to tragic outcomes for some.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Listeners appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Listeners is best for ages 17+. It's rated TV-MA. The Listeners is a slow-burn psychological drama centered on an English teacher who begins hearing a mysterious hum. Despite a lack of violence, the series is intended for mature audiences due to its complex and…

What age rating does The Listeners have?

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

What is The Listeners about?

The Listeners is a slow-burn psychological drama centered on an English teacher who begins hearing a mysterious hum. Despite a lack of violence, the series is intended for mature audiences due to its complex and challenging adult themes, including a heavily implied sexual affair between a teacher and a minor student…

How many seasons does The Listeners have?

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

Is there sex or nudity in The Listeners?

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

How violent is The Listeners?

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

Is the language in The Listeners appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across The Listeners.

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

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

What mature themes appear in The Listeners?

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

Where can I read the full The Listeners parent guide?

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