Underground (2016) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Sexual content is infrequent but impactful. There are several implied sexual encounters between characters, sometimes consensual and sometimes coercive. An attempted rape is depicted, though not graphically, showing the victim's struggle and distress. Historical themes of sexual exploitation of enslaved women are present, particularly with Ernestine's past and present circumstances, but these are handled with sensitivity rather than explicitness.

Violence is severe and pervasive, reflective of the brutal realities of slavery. This includes graphic depictions of whippings, beatings, and shootings with visible blood and injuries. Characters are tortured for information, and several executions occur, some by hanging. Fights are intense, often resulting in death or serious injury. The constant threat of violence significantly contributes to the intense atmosphere.

Profanity is moderate, with words such as 'damn,' 'hell,' 'bitch,' and 'shit' used throughout the season, often in moments of stress, anger, or despair. Racial slurs, specifically the N-word, are used contextually by slave owners and overseers to demean enslaved people, reflecting the historical period, and making dialogue particularly harsh.

Alcohol consumption is casual and frequent in this season, often depicted in social settings among white characters, including slave owners. Opium use is shown involving Ernestine; she is often seen smoking it to cope with trauma, and the effects of her addiction become a significant plot point. In one scene, she offers opium to another character.

The season deeply explores themes of systemic injustice, racial discrimination, enslavement, and the fight for freedom. It delves into the trauma, grief, and psychological scars inflicted by slavery, seen through characters like Ernestine's opium addiction and Rosalee's struggles with her identity. Themes of betrayal, loss of family, and the moral dilemmas faced by both abolitionists and enslaved people are central to the narrative.