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The Twelve (2019) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Twelve ordinary people are called for jury duty for a controversial murder case.

TV-MA • 2019 • 3 seasons

7.1
100+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
17+

This Belgian courtroom drama earns its TV-MA rating primarily through its heavy thematic material and some sexual content, rather than graphic violence. The series centers on high-stakes murder trials, with the first season revolving around the deeply disturbing alleged murder of a young girl by her aunt. Parents should be aware of scenes depicting the aftermath of violence, discussions of sexual addiction, and a few sex scenes that… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Tijmen Govaerts
Tijmen Govaerts
Serine Ayari
Serine Ayari
Ruth Beeckmans
Ruth Beeckmans
Violet Braeckman
Violet Braeckman
Evgenia Brendes
Evgenia Brendes
Natali Broods
Natali Broods
Michaël Pas
Michaël Pas
Jennifer Heylen
Jennifer Heylen
LP
Lucie Plasschaert
Laura Sépul
Laura Sépul
Brit Van Hoof
Brit Van Hoof
Flor Van Severen
Flor Van Severen
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Is The Twelve appropriate for kids?

This Belgian courtroom drama earns its TV-MA rating primarily through its heavy thematic material and some sexual content, rather than graphic violence. The series centers on high-stakes murder trials, with the first season revolving around the deeply disturbing alleged murder… Read more — free account

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

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

Sex and nudity in The Twelve

Several scenes depict sexual situations. There are two instances of female breast nudity during sex scenes. A male character, a sex addict, is shown in two scenes of masturbation, with implied action and no visible nudity. Sexual assault is mentioned and visually depicted in a re-enactment, though without explicit detail. Infidelity is a significant plot point for several characters.

Violence and gore in The Twelve

The series revolves around a double murder trial, with implied violence and discussions of violent acts. Flashbacks and testimony describe the deaths, though graphic details are kept to a minimum visually. There are depictions of domestic violence, including a man physically abusing his wife, and a reconstruction of a child's assault, which is disturbing but not graphically explicit. A character is shown with a bruised face.

Language in The Twelve

Frequent strong language is used throughout the season, including multiple instances of 'f**k', 'sh*t', and other expletives heard in courtroom testimonies, private conversations, and moments of high stress. The language reflects the intense emotional situations faced by characters.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Twelve

Alcohol consumption is casual and frequent among many adult characters, often used as a coping mechanism in social settings or when alone. Characters are shown drinking wine, beer, and spirits in homes, bars, and restaurants. There is an instance of a character attending a meeting for sex addiction that briefly touches on addiction themes.

Mature themes in The Twelve

The primary themes involve trauma, grief, injustice, and the complexities of human morality. The jurors themselves grapple with personal issues like adultery, mental health struggles, family conflict, strained relationships, and addiction, which intertwine with the trial's themes. The series explores the psychological toll of participating in a murder trial and the difficulty of discerning truth and justice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Twelve appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Twelve is best for ages 17+. It's rated TV-MA. This Belgian courtroom drama earns its TV-MA rating primarily through its heavy thematic material and some sexual content, rather than graphic violence. The series centers on high-stakes murder trials, with the first…

What age rating does The Twelve have?

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

What is The Twelve about?

This Belgian courtroom drama earns its TV-MA rating primarily through its heavy thematic material and some sexual content, rather than graphic violence. The series centers on high-stakes murder trials, with the first season revolving around the deeply disturbing alleged murder of a young girl by her aunt. Parents…

How many seasons does The Twelve have?

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

Is there sex or nudity in The Twelve?

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

How violent is The Twelve?

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

Is the language in The Twelve appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across The Twelve.

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

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

What mature themes appear in The Twelve?

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

Where can I read the full The Twelve parent guide?

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