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The Magicians (2015) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Brakebills University is a secret institution specializing in magic. There, amidst an unorthodox education of spellcasting, a group of twenty-something friends soon discover that a magical fantasy world they read about as children is all too real— and poses grave danger to humanity.

TV-MA • 2015 • 5 seasons

7.6
1K+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
17+

Often described as "Harry Potter for adults," this dark fantasy series follows a group of grad students at a secret university for magic. The show earns its mature rating and is not for younger viewers, featuring pervasive profanity (including frequent, often uncensored use of "f--k"), constant casual drinking, and both real and magical drug use. Violence can be sudden, brutal, and graphic, with bloody magical battles, moments of gore… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Olivia Taylor Dudley
Olivia Taylor Dudley
Arjun Gupta
Arjun Gupta
Stella Maeve
Stella Maeve
Hale Appleman
Hale Appleman
Summer Bishil
Summer Bishil
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Is The Magicians appropriate for kids?

Often described as "Harry Potter for adults," this dark fantasy series follows a group of grad students at a secret university for magic. The show earns its mature rating and is not for younger viewers, featuring pervasive profanity (including frequent, often uncensored use of… Read more — free account

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

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

Sex and nudity in The Magicians

This season contains a graphic implied rape scene in episode 3, which is a major plot point and discussed and referenced repeatedly throughout the season. Other sexual content includes foreplay, implied sex with movement and moaning (no nudity), and occasional suggestive dialogue. One scene features an exposed butt cheek during a dance. A character is magically stripped to her bra while bound. Sexual acts with magical creatures are also implied.

Violence and gore in The Magicians

Violence is moderate to strong, often sudden, and magical in nature. Characters frequently attack each other with spells, resulting in concussions, broken bones, and some blood. A cat is magically skinned alive off-screen but its cries are heard; later, a human character is shown magically having one of their fingers bitten off. There are grotesque magical attacks, such as implied eye removal, and a character is killed by head crushing off-screen, with blood splatter shown. Chase scenes and perilous situations are…

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Language in The Magicians

Language is consistently strong throughout the season, with frequent use of expletives such as 'fuck,' 'shit,' 'asshole,' and 'bitch.' The word 'cunt' is used on occasion. Profanity is integrated into everyday dialogue, reflecting the characters' stress and struggles.

Mature themes in The Magicians

Mature themes are prominent, including depression, mental illness, and suicidal ideation, particularly concerning Quentin's struggles. Julia's storyline involves themes of abandonment, trauma, and the dark consequences of seeking power through dangerous means, including a non-graphic but implied sexual assault as a consequence of a magical deal. Alcoholism, drug abuse, and addiction are recurring themes among the student body and in Julia's journey, highlighting self-destructive coping mechanisms. Loss, grief, and…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Magicians appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Magicians is best for ages 17+. It's rated TV-MA. Often described as "Harry Potter for adults," this dark fantasy series follows a group of grad students at a secret university for magic. The show earns its mature rating and is not for younger viewers, featuring…

What age rating does The Magicians have?

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

What is The Magicians about?

Often described as "Harry Potter for adults," this dark fantasy series follows a group of grad students at a secret university for magic. The show earns its mature rating and is not for younger viewers, featuring pervasive profanity (including frequent, often uncensored use of "f--k"), constant casual drinking, and…

How many seasons does The Magicians have?

The Magicians has 5 seasons covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in The Magicians?

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

How violent is The Magicians?

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

Is the language in The Magicians appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across The Magicians.

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

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

What mature themes appear in The Magicians?

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

Where can I read the full The Magicians parent guide?

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