Poster for Turn Up Charlie

Turn Up Charlie (2019) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A down-and-out DJ plots to rebuild his music career while working as a nanny for his famous best friend's wild 11-year-old daughter.

TV-MA • 2019 • 1 season

6.6
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
17+

Turn Up Charlie is a dramedy about a struggling DJ who becomes a nanny, but its TV-MA rating signals that it is strictly for adult viewers, not families. The rating is due to consistent and strong content across several categories, most notably pervasive substance use and strong language. Characters are frequently shown drinking heavily, using cocaine and other drugs at parties, and discussing drug culture. The dialogue is filled with… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Idris Elba
Idris Elba
Piper Perabo
Piper Perabo
JJ Feild
JJ Feild
FH
Frankie Hervey
Guz Khan
Guz Khan
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Is Turn Up Charlie appropriate for kids?

Turn Up Charlie is a dramedy about a struggling DJ who becomes a nanny, but its TV-MA rating signals that it is strictly for adult viewers, not families. The rating is due to consistent and strong content across several categories, most notably pervasive substance use and strong… Read more — free account

Content severity in Turn Up Charlie Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances Intense 10/10
Language Intense 10/10
Sex/Nudity Intense 10/10
Violence/Gore Moderate 4/10
Mature Themes Intense 10/10

Sex and nudity in Turn Up Charlie

Sexual content includes frequent innuendo, suggestive dialogue, and discussions about sexual encounters. There are scenes depicting characters in bed together, implying sex, though no explicit nudity or graphic acts are shown. Affairs and casual sexual relationships are part of the plot, and one character is shown to be a porn actress, leading to discussions about her profession.

Violence and gore in Turn Up Charlie

Violence is very limited. There are no graphic fight scenes or violent acts. A brief, comedic moment involves a character getting hit in the face with a cake, and there's a minor physical altercation in a club that quickly dissipates without serious injury.

Language in Turn Up Charlie

The language is consistently strong, featuring frequent use of expletives such as "f**k," "sh*t," "c*nt," and "a**hole" in casual conversation. Gabrielle, a pre-teen, also uses strong language. Profanity is present in nearly every episode and is not limited to specific characters or situations, contributing significantly to the TV-MA rating.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Turn Up Charlie

Substance use is frequent and pervasive. Characters regularly drink alcohol at parties and social gatherings, often to the point of intoxication. There are multiple instances of drug use, including clear depictions of marijuana smoking and references to other recreational drugs. Charlie, in particular, has a history of substance abuse that is explored, and he relapses in later episodes, consuming drugs and alcohol heavily.

Mature themes in Turn Up Charlie

Key themes include arrested development, parental struggles, identity, and the pressures of fame. Charlie grapples with his past and career failures, while Gabrielle deals with absentee celebrity parents and bullying. The series also touches on themes of friendship, loyalty, and finding one's purpose, often through a comedic lens but with underlying emotional depth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Turn Up Charlie appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Turn Up Charlie is best for ages 17+. It's rated TV-MA. Turn Up Charlie is a dramedy about a struggling DJ who becomes a nanny, but its TV-MA rating signals that it is strictly for adult viewers, not families. The rating is due to consistent and strong content across several…

What age rating does Turn Up Charlie have?

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

What is Turn Up Charlie about?

Turn Up Charlie is a dramedy about a struggling DJ who becomes a nanny, but its TV-MA rating signals that it is strictly for adult viewers, not families. The rating is due to consistent and strong content across several categories, most notably pervasive substance use and strong language. Characters are frequently…

How many seasons does Turn Up Charlie have?

Turn Up Charlie has 1 season covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in Turn Up Charlie?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across Turn Up Charlie.

How violent is Turn Up Charlie?

Violence isn't a standout concern across Turn Up Charlie per our reviewers.

Is the language in Turn Up Charlie appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across Turn Up Charlie.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Turn Up Charlie?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across Turn Up Charlie.

What mature themes appear in Turn Up Charlie?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of Turn Up Charlie.

Where can I read the full Turn Up Charlie parent guide?

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