The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez (2020) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A boy’s brutal murder and the public trials of his guardians and social workers prompt questions about the system’s protection of vulnerable children.
TV-MA • 2020 • 1 season
This TV-MA true-crime docuseries is for mature adults only and received its rating for its deeply disturbing subject matter. The series chronicles the 2013 murder of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez, detailing the horrific and prolonged torture he endured at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend. Viewers should be prepared for graphic verbal descriptions of extreme child abuse, emotional courtroom testimony, and the presentation of… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez appropriate for kids?
This TV-MA true-crime docuseries is for mature adults only and received its rating for its deeply disturbing subject matter. The series chronicles the 2013 murder of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez, detailing the horrific and prolonged torture he endured at the hands of his mother… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez Sign up for season-by-season breakdown
Sex and nudity in The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez
Sexual content is absent. There is a photograph shown briefly of Pearl Fernandez kissing her boyfriend, used to illustrate their relationship, but no sexual acts are depicted or graphically described.
Violence and gore in The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez
The series revolves around the extreme and prolonged physical violence inflicted upon Gabriel Fernandez, leading to his death. While the abuse itself is not explicitly shown, graphic and detailed verbal descriptions of torture, beatings, burning, and other injuries from medical reports, witness testimonies, and crime scene photos are presented. The descriptions are severe and disturbing.
Language in The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez
Frequent use of strong profanity, including f-bombs and other expletives, particularly during courtroom testimony, police interviews, and recordings. Some episodes feature very high frequencies of strong language.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez
Substance use is not a primary focus. There are occasional mentions of past drug use by Pearl Fernandez or her general disinterest in her children, but active on-screen consumption is absent.
Mature themes in The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez
This series deals with severe and pervasive themes of child abuse, neglect, domestic violence, murder, gross systemic failure by child protective services, injustice, and trauma. The emotional toll of Gabriel's suffering and the impact on involved parties, including his siblings and first responders, is a central and deeply unsettling theme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is best for ages 17+. It's rated TV-MA. This TV-MA true-crime docuseries is for mature adults only and received its rating for its deeply disturbing subject matter. The series chronicles the 2013 murder of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez, detailing the horrific…
What age rating does The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez have?
The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez is rated TV-MA. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez about?
This TV-MA true-crime docuseries is for mature adults only and received its rating for its deeply disturbing subject matter. The series chronicles the 2013 murder of 8-year-old Gabriel Fernandez, detailing the horrific and prolonged torture he endured at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend. Viewers should be…
How many seasons does The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez have?
The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez has 1 season covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.
Is there sex or nudity in The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez?
Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez.
How violent is The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez?
Violence isn't a standout concern across The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez per our reviewers.
Is the language in The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez appropriate for kids?
Strong language isn't flagged across The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez?
Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez.
What mature themes appear in The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez?
Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez.
Where can I read the full The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock season-by-season notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your watchlist.
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