Poster for Under the Banner of Heaven

Under the Banner of Heaven (2022) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

A devout detective's faith is tested as he investigates a brutal murder that seems to be connected to an esteemed Utah family's spiral into LDS fundamentalism and their distrust in the government.

TV-MA • 2022 • 1 season

7.5
200+
Average rating by Bontent members
Sign up for full access
Age
17+

Based on the true-crime book, this miniseries follows a devout detective whose faith is shaken as he investigates the brutal murders of a woman and her infant daughter. The show's TV-MA rating is primarily due to graphic violence and intensely disturbing themes. Viewers will see the bloody aftermath of the murders repeatedly, as well as flashbacks to historical massacres, scenes of brutal beatings, and animal cruelty. The series is a… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Andrew Garfield
Andrew Garfield
Sam Worthington
Sam Worthington
Daisy Edgar-Jones
Daisy Edgar-Jones
Denise Gough
Denise Gough
Wyatt Russell
Wyatt Russell
Billy Howle
Billy Howle
Chloe Pirrie
Chloe Pirrie
Seth Numrich
Seth Numrich
Adelaide Clemens
Adelaide Clemens
Rory Culkin
Rory Culkin
Gil Birmingham
Gil Birmingham
Megan Leitch
Megan Leitch
Sign up to get 40,000+ Bontent parent guides
Unlock ratings, reviews, recommendations and guides for all content types

Is Under the Banner of Heaven appropriate for kids?

Based on the true-crime book, this miniseries follows a devout detective whose faith is shaken as he investigates the brutal murders of a woman and her infant daughter. The show's TV-MA rating is primarily due to graphic violence and intensely disturbing themes. Viewers will see… Read more — free account

Content severity in Under the Banner of Heaven Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances Mild 2/10
Language Intense 10/10
Sex/Nudity Intense 8/10
Violence/Gore Intense 10/10
Mature Themes Intense 10/10

Sex and nudity in Under the Banner of Heaven

Sexual content is moderate. There are implied sexual situations, including a scene of a man thrusting under covers, and a brief, non-graphic scene of a woman's bare breasts while showering with her husband. Themes of marital rape and implied inappropriate touching of a teenager by a stepfather are disturbing but not graphically depicted.

Violence and gore in Under the Banner of Heaven

Violence is strong and disturbing, focusing on the brutal murder of a mother and her infant, which is frequently referenced and graphically described, though the act itself is not shown. Viewers see bloody crime scenes, dead bodies, and characters being beaten. There are also scenes of animal cruelty, including a dog being hanged and shot, and descriptions of a dog being beaten to death.

Language in Under the Banner of Heaven

Profanity is moderate, with several uses of strong language including the 'f-word' scattered throughout the season. Other milder expletives and religious exclamations are also heard.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Under the Banner of Heaven

Substance use is minimal. Characters are occasionally seen drinking wine in social settings, and a detective smokes cigarettes, but there is no depiction of intoxication or drug abuse.

Mature themes in Under the Banner of Heaven

Thematic content is very strong, dealing with religious extremism, domestic abuse, child endangerment, loss of faith, and psychological manipulation. The series explores the dark side of fundamentalist beliefs and the devastating impact they can have on individuals and families, creating a frequently intense and unsettling atmosphere.

Bontent Member Reviews

Register for free to join the conversation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Under the Banner of Heaven appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Under the Banner of Heaven is best for ages 17+. It's rated TV-MA. Based on the true-crime book, this miniseries follows a devout detective whose faith is shaken as he investigates the brutal murders of a woman and her infant daughter. The show's TV-MA rating is primarily due to…

What age rating does Under the Banner of Heaven have?

Under the Banner of Heaven is rated TV-MA. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.

What is Under the Banner of Heaven about?

Based on the true-crime book, this miniseries follows a devout detective whose faith is shaken as he investigates the brutal murders of a woman and her infant daughter. The show's TV-MA rating is primarily due to graphic violence and intensely disturbing themes. Viewers will see the bloody aftermath of the murders…

How many seasons does Under the Banner of Heaven have?

Under the Banner of Heaven has 1 season covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in Under the Banner of Heaven?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across Under the Banner of Heaven.

How violent is Under the Banner of Heaven?

Violence isn't a standout concern across Under the Banner of Heaven per our reviewers.

Is the language in Under the Banner of Heaven appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across Under the Banner of Heaven.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Under the Banner of Heaven?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across Under the Banner of Heaven.

What mature themes appear in Under the Banner of Heaven?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of Under the Banner of Heaven.

Where can I read the full Under the Banner of Heaven 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.