The new Fallout TV series is generating a lot of buzz, bringing the beloved video game franchise to life. If you’re a parent wondering if it’s appropriate for your teen or younger children, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through some of the mature themes and content depicted in the show, helping you make an informed decision for your family.
Cannibalism: A Gruesome Reality of the Wasteland
The post-apocalyptic world of Fallout is harsh, and survival often comes at a cost. The show doesn’t shy away from depicting the grim realities of this world, including cannibalism. Viewers are shown scenes where ghouls, mutated humans, engage in eating other ghouls. One particularly disturbing scene involves a ghoul cutting into a dead ghoul, removing teeth, and explicitly stating the intention to eat it. Another character is forced to cut meat from a dead body, referred to as “ass-jerky.” Later, there’s a close-up shot of bags filled with slabs of this meat.
Alt text: A ghoul character from the Fallout TV show is shown preparing to consume meat from another ghoul, highlighting the cannibalistic themes in the series.
Questions to consider discussing with your teen:
- Is cannibalism a common theme you’ve encountered in video games or other media?
- How do you think cannibalism is portrayed here? Is it meant to be scary, disgusting, or just a fact of life in this world?
- What does this portrayal of cannibalism tell you about the world of Fallout?
Suicide and Despair in a Nuclear Fallout World
The shadow of nuclear annihilation hangs heavy over the Fallout universe. The series touches upon themes of suicide as characters grapple with the hopelessness of their situation. One scene depicts a character taking a cyanide pill off-screen to end their life rather than face a potentially worse fate. There are also scenes showing dead bodies with pills or weapons nearby, implying suicide as a response to the impending nuclear attacks and despair.
Alt text: A vault dweller character in the Fallout TV series is shown contemplating pills, hinting at themes of suicide and difficult choices in the post-apocalyptic setting.
Talking points for parents:
- What’s the difference between self-sacrifice and suicide? Why do you think characters in this world might choose suicide?
- Do video games, films, and TV series handle themes of suicide and mental health differently? Why might that be?
- Can media like video games or TV shows be a way to talk about suicide prevention and mental health?
Important Tip: If your child seems upset or disturbed by these themes, take it seriously. Even fictional content can have a real emotional impact.
Nudity, Sex, and Mature Sexual Themes
Fallout isn’t just about violence and survival; it also explores adult relationships and sexuality, albeit sometimes in a crude or uncomfortable way. The show includes sexual references and innuendo. One character vaguely refers to “cousin stuff,” implying an inappropriate sexual relationship. There are also awkward and misinformed conversations about sex, including one character asking, “You mean use my cock?” in a confused manner. A sex scene is depicted with partial nudity, specifically a naked male bottom.
Alt text: Two characters in the Fallout TV series are shown in an awkward conversation, suggesting mature themes and potentially sexual innuendo within the show.
Discussion starters for families:
- Do you think shows like Fallout reinforce stereotypes about sex and relationships, or challenge them? How?
- What do you think are the key elements of a healthy and respectful relationship?
- How do the characters and relationships in Fallout compare to what you see in real life?
Parental Guidance: Be ready to discuss how sex and relationships are portrayed in media. Talk about respectful relationships, consent, and healthy communication. Resources like How to talk with young people about porn can be helpful.
Graphic Violence and Cruelty: Expect Intense Action
The Fallout games are known for their over-the-top violence, and the TV series follows suit. Expect to see graphic violence, including characters’ body parts being crushed or blown apart. Severed limbs and detailed injuries are shown. The show features frequent hand-to-hand combat and gun violence, including exploding bullets, all depicted with a level of detail that can be disturbing.
Alt text: A scene from the Fallout TV series depicting violent combat with explosions and gunfire, illustrating the graphic violence present in the show.
Questions to ask your child:
- Thinking about violent games like Fallout, do you think there are always better ways to solve problems than through violence?
- Are you aware of who is around when you watch violent content? Is that important?
- Is the violence in games and shows like this similar to what you see on social media?
Tip for parents: Talk about being mindful of who is around when viewing potentially disturbing content.
Drug Use: Mysterious Substances and “Jet”
Drug use is present in the Fallout series. Characters are often seen using inhaler-like devices to consume unknown substances. “Jet,” a known drug from the Fallout games, is used multiple times. One scene shows a character licking an unidentified white powder. The portrayal of drugs is often ambiguous, but their use and effects are clearly part of the show’s world.
Alt text: A character in the Fallout TV series using an inhaler-like device, representing drug use and substance consumption within the show’s narrative.
Discussion points for families:
- Why do you think drugs are often not clearly identified in video games and shows like this?
- Do you think shows like Fallout could make drug use seem appealing or normal?
Parent Tip: Approach discussions about drugs calmly and without judgment so your child feels comfortable talking to you.
Watch Together, Talk Together
Understanding the content of Fallout is the first step. Watching it with your older children and teens can be an opportunity to discuss these mature themes together. Always check ratings and content warnings before watching any new show.
Further Resources:
- Fallout (season one) featured decision
- Keeping it safe in the gaming space (blog)
- Why parental controls are your video on-demand life hack (blog)
- [Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?](https://www.classificationoffice.govt.nz/news/blog-posts/why-are-ratings-and-content-warnings-important-for-me and my wh%C4%81nau/) (blog)
