Netflix’s A Man in Full quickly climbed the charts in May 2024, drawing viewers in with its compelling storyline and star-studded cast, led by Jeff Daniels. However, before you settle in for a binge-watch, especially with younger or more sensitive viewers in the house, it’s important to be aware of the show’s TV-MA rating. This rating signals that the miniseries contains mature content, specifically language, nudity, and sex. If you’re wondering just how intense these elements are, we’ve broken down the content warnings for A Man in Full to help you make an informed viewing decision.
Please be aware that while we aim to minimize spoilers, the following content warnings will contain minor details about the show’s plot.
Decoding the Content Warnings of A Man in Full
Across its six episodes, A Man in Full doesn’t shy away from mature themes, and this is reflected in its content. Here’s a detailed look at what parents and viewers should be aware of:
Strong Language
Language is a significant element throughout A Man in Full. Expect to hear frequent profanity, exceeding typical TV-MA levels. The series uses highly offensive terms, including explicit uses of the “f-word” and other vulgar language like “c-cks-cker.” If strong language is a concern, be prepared for consistent and sometimes harsh profanity.
Violence and Disturbing Scenes
While A Man in Full isn’t gratuitously violent, violence is present and can be disturbing. The show often alludes to violence or depicts its aftermath, rather than showing graphic acts in detail. The first episode contains a scene of police brutality where a white police officer assaults a Black man, who defends himself. This scene is revisited later through video footage. Additionally, a scene shows the aftermath of a brutal prison beating, highlighting the consequences of violence within the narrative.
Beyond physical violence, some scenes might be unsettling for specific phobias or sensitivities. In episode 2, there’s a scene where a character, Charlie, handles a rattlesnake with his bare hands, featuring close-up shots of the snake. Episode 3 includes a scene of horses breeding, with a close-up focusing on a man handling the horse’s genitalia, which some viewers may find shocking. For those sensitive to medical content, episode 4 shows a knee surgery with visible blood, which may be disturbing.
Sex Scenes and Nudity
A Man in Full includes sex scenes, though they vary in explicitness. Episode 2 features a sex scene between a man and a woman, depicted without nudity. Episode 6 contains a longer and more graphic sex scene between a man and a woman. This scene includes male rear nudity, followed by male full frontal nudity after the act concludes.
Tom Pelphrey as Raymond Peepgrass in a tense moment from A Man in Full episode 1, showcasing the dramatic nature of the series.
Graphic Male Full Frontal Nudity Explained
The full frontal nudity in episode 6 occurs during the series’ final sequence. After Raymond is caught by Charlie with his ex-wife, Martha, he initially covers himself with a shirt. However, in a display of misplaced confidence, Raymond removes the shirt, revealing his erect penis in full frontal view.
This scene is unexpected and quite graphic. While it is full frontal male nudity, the shot is not a close-up; it’s a wider shot showing Raymond’s entire body and Jeff Daniels’ character, Charlie, in the foreground. Despite the distance, the nudity is clearly visible. It’s widely speculated that Tom Pelphrey used a prosthetic for this scene.
Ultimately, A Man in Full is intended for a mature audience. Consider these content warnings when deciding if A Man in Full is the right viewing choice for you or others in your household.
Watch A Man in Full, streaming exclusively on Netflix.
