Poster for Them

Them (2021) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A limited anthology series that explores terror in America.

TV-MA • 2021 • 2 seasons

7.6
400+
Average rating by Bontent members
Sign up for full access
Age
17+

This anthology horror series explores terror in America, focusing on Black families confronting both supernatural evil and the all-too-real horrors of racism. The series is rated TV-MA for its pervasive and profoundly disturbing content, which parents should approach with extreme caution. The primary reason for the rating is severe, graphic violence that includes scenes of brutal torture, gory murders, and extreme cruelty… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Deborah Ayorinde
Deborah Ayorinde
Pam Grier
Pam Grier
Luke James
Luke James
Joshua J. Williams
Joshua J. Williams
Jeremy Bobb
Jeremy Bobb
Sign up to get 40,000+ Bontent parent guides
Unlock ratings, reviews, recommendations and guides for all content types

Is Them appropriate for kids?

This anthology horror series explores terror in America, focusing on Black families confronting both supernatural evil and the all-too-real horrors of racism. The series is rated TV-MA for its pervasive and profoundly disturbing content, which parents should approach with… Read more — free account

Content severity in Them 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 Them

Sexual content is moderate but often disturbing. Early in the season, a dead female body is shown nude on a gurney with exposed breasts. A consensual sex scene in a pool features a woman thrusting atop a man. More disturbingly, there are implied and non-explicit descriptions of sexual assault and predatory behavior, contributing to the show's intense themes of violence against women.

Violence and gore in Them

Violence is severe and extremely graphic, a significant part of the horror. The season opens with a gruesome murder scene featuring dismembered body parts. Subsequent episodes depict stabbings, shootings, blunt force trauma with visible blood and gore, and a character beaten to death. Torture and mutilation are strongly implied or explicitly shown, often involving sustained brutality. The violence is consistently disturbing and not for the faint of heart.

Language in Them

Strong language is frequent and includes multiple instances of "fuck," "shit," "bitch," and "god damn." Racial slurs are used consistently and in a derogatory manner by the white antagonists, contributing significantly to the show's intense and offensive atmosphere.

Mature themes in Them

Themes are severe and pervasive, focusing on trauma, psychological horror, racial prejudice within law enforcement and society, and mental illness. Other significant themes include child abuse, abandonment, and existential dread. The narrative delves into the psychological toll of horror and violence, often presenting disturbing imagery and concepts related to a character's fractured mental state.

Bontent Member Reviews

Register for free to join the conversation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Them appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Them is best for ages 17+. It's rated TV-MA. This anthology horror series explores terror in America, focusing on Black families confronting both supernatural evil and the all-too-real horrors of racism. The series is rated TV-MA for its pervasive and profoundly…

What age rating does Them have?

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

What is Them about?

This anthology horror series explores terror in America, focusing on Black families confronting both supernatural evil and the all-too-real horrors of racism. The series is rated TV-MA for its pervasive and profoundly disturbing content, which parents should approach with extreme caution. The primary reason for the…

How many seasons does Them have?

Them has 2 seasons covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in Them?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across Them.

How violent is Them?

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

Is the language in Them appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across Them.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Them?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across Them.

What mature themes appear in Them?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of Them.

Where can I read the full Them parent guide?

Create a free Bontent account to unlock season-by-season notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your watchlist.

Sign up for access to 40,000+ parent guides.