Although the TV-MA rating means a program is technically made for 17-year-olds (18 in some cases), programs with this rating can sometimes be more graphic and severe than what R-rated movies would typically allow, thanks to the existence of premium cable networks and certain online streaming services.
TV-MA is a more severe rating than R. TV-MA is the equivalent of NC-17 in the US. Note that R and MA are used by two different groups. The MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) uses a rating system that you can review here where R is the second most severe, coming up behind NC-17.
TV-MA is the strongest rating the industry gives, with the M standing for "mature." TV-MA is reserved for shows whose level of explicit sexuality, graphic violence and/or strong language -- along with mature themes -- make them unsuitable for children 16 or younger.
NC-17. The NC-17 rating is the highest rating (even higher than the R-rating) that a film can be given, and it means the movie is for adults only (ages 18 and older) and no one age 17 or younger will be admitted. This rating, prior to 1990, was previously rated X.
In summary, both the R and MA ratings indicate content that is not suitable for young audiences. However, based on the severity of the content described, the MA rating appears to be more explicit and extreme than the R rating [2].
Rated G: Suggested for general audiences. Rated M: Suggested for mature audiences - Parental discretion advised. Rated R: Restricted – Persons under 16 not admitted, unless accompanied by parent or adult guardian. Rated X: Persons under 16 not admitted.
What is the difference between TV-MA and R content rating?
TV-Ma and R rated are the same. They are both very extreme in their amounts of violence, cussing, or sexual content. The difference being TV-Ma is for TV shows and R rated is for Movies. R rated and TV-MA are both recommended for 18+ unless you have Parental Guidance (I know that for TV shows they don't control that).
TV-MA Mature Audience Only This program is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and therefore may be unsuitable for children under 17. This program contains one or more of the following: graphic violence (V), explicit sexual activity (S), or crude indecent language (L).
A G rating would mean there's no content that parents would be concerned about, a PG rating means there's some content that parents may want to know about, a PG-13 rating indicates there's even more content that families may not find appropriate and R means the film has adult content (same with NC-17).
R: Restricted - Under 17 requires accompanying parent or guardian. Children under 17 are not allowed to attend R-rated movies unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian 25 years of age or older.
The TV-MA tells that a specific TV show has graphic sex scenes, foul language, explicit violence, or a combination of these elements. This rating is usually viewed and compared as similar to the NC-17 rating and R ratings assigned by the MPAA.
TV-PG - parental guidance is recommended; these programs may be unsuitable for younger children. TV-14 - these shows may be unsuitable for children under 14. TV-MA - these programs are intended to be viewed by mature, adult audiences and may be unsuitable for children under 17.
TV-MA: Mature Audience Only. Intended for adults and may be unsuitable for children under 17. Possibly contains crude indecent language, explicit sexual activity or graphic violence.
An R-rated film may contain "adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements." On the other hand, titles given an M rating may have content that includes "intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language."
Parents need to know that Outer Banks is a teen drama about a local mystery and the young people who are trying to solve it. It's on the edgy side, with strong language, underage drinking and smoking, and generally illegal behavior by minors. Everything goes as far as language is concerned: "F--k," "a--hole,"…
R - An R rated film means 'Restricted'. Those under 17 require an accompanying parent. Similar to the UK's 15. NC-17 - Like the UK's 18, an NC-17 film is considered for adults and not appropriate for tweens or younger children.
R: RESTRICTED. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. NC-17: NO ONE 17 AND UNDER ADMITTED. Before Dawn - Rated R for war violence and language.
Restricted: R - Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. Contains some adult material. Parents are urged to learn more about the film before taking their young children with them.
TV Parental Guidelines may have one or more letters added to the basic rating to let parents know when a show may contain violence, sex, adult language, or suggestive dialogue. D – suggestive dialogue (usually means talks about sex) L – coarse or crude language.
Parents need to know that Casual is a dark comedy about a dysfunctional family that lives together. Expect frequent references to sex and graphic discussion of lesbian sex, birth control, and consequence-free sex with strangers. Also expect references to suicide and frequent cursing ("f--k," "s--t").
Parents need to know that My Name is a gritty Korean thriller (dubbing and subtitles available) that features lots of bloody, brutal violence and death. Organized crime and drugs are major themes, and drug-related behavior is visible. Rape is a theme in one episode, and there's lots of cursing and smoking, some…
What is the difference between Disney TV-MA and R?
Now when you log into Disney+ and activate the parental control settings, you can flip to TV-MA, the highest setting. (TV-MA is the R-rating for TV and its highest maturity rating. For reference, Euphoria is rated TV-MA.)
While many G films are for children, not all will be of interest to them. PG is an advisory classification The content is mild in impact. PG films contain material that a parent or carer might need to explain to younger children. M is an advisory classification The content is moderate in impact.
