Navigating the world of streaming entertainment with kids can be tricky. You’re searching for a parent’s guide to “How to Get Away With Murder” on Netflix. As a parent, you want to ensure the content your children are exposed to is age-appropriate and aligns with your family values. Let’s break down what you need to know about this popular show.
This show contains mature themes and is intended for adults. I can help you decide if the content is right for your child, but I cannot condone any illegal activity or use language that could be seen as harmful or offensive.
Mature Themes and Content
“How to Get Away With Murder” is a legal drama with complex plots, intense relationships, and dark subject matter. Here’s a quick overview for parents:
- Violence: The show features violent acts, including murder, assault, and graphic crime scenes.
- Sexual Content: There are scenes involving sexual activity, implied and explicit, including heterosexual and LGBTQ+ relationships.
- Language: Strong language is used throughout the series.
- Substance Abuse: Characters engage in drug and alcohol use.
- Mature Themes: The show deals with themes like betrayal, infidelity, corruption, and moral ambiguity.
Age Appropriateness
Due to the mature content described above, “How to Get Away With Murder” is not suitable for young children or pre-teens. Common Sense Media suggests the show is appropriate for ages 17+.
Alternatives for Younger Viewers
If you’re looking for engaging shows suitable for a younger audience on Netflix, consider these alternatives:
- Family-friendly animated series: Many animated series offer entertaining storylines and positive messages.
- Educational documentaries: These can be both informative and engaging for older children and teens.
- Light-hearted comedies: Sitcoms with relatable characters and situations can provide wholesome entertainment.
Ultimately, the decision of what your children watch is up to you.
A still from Avengers: Age of Ultron, highlighting a scene with several of the main characters engaged in battle, illustrating the level of action and potential intensity that parents should be aware of.
To give some context, let’s shift focus. Understanding your children’s exposure to Marvel movies might be helpful. If your kids are asking about Avengers: Infinity War after seeing it pop up on Netflix, you might be wondering if it’s appropriate. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide if it’s something they should watch:
Phase One: A Glance at the Beginning
The original Avengers team assembled in the 2012 film, showcasing the initial ensemble of superheroes that started the cinematic universe, and their dynamic that might appeal to younger viewers.
Iron Man: Tony Stark’s portrayal as a “ladies man” might raise some eyebrows. There are scenes that depict him in bed with a reporter and having suggestive interactions with flight attendants. Beyond that, it’s typical superhero action with explosions and robot fights.
The Incredible Hulk: If your kids are easily scared by monsters, this might not be the best choice. There’s a scene implying that Bruce Banner’s arousal triggers his transformation, which will likely go over kids’ heads.
Iron Man 2: This film sets the stage for The Avengers, but at times it feels forced. Tony Stark’s failing health is a prominent theme, and Black Widow’s introduction is filled with innuendo.
Thor: Expect Shakespearean drama with a space-viking twist. There are plots of murder, female characters objectifying Thor, and a moment where he appears to die (though he doesn’t).
Captain America: The First Avenger: This is essentially a sanitized World War II movie. There’s wartime action, but it’s not overly graphic. However, a supporting character dies, and Red Skull’s transformation is shown, with a brief glimpse of his melting face.
Marvel’s The Avengers: Loki is a more villainous character here, graphically ripping out an eyeball, tormenting Black Widow, and fatally stabbing a beloved character. There’s also a moment of terror when Black Widow is trapped with the transforming Hulk.
Phase Two: Darker Tones Emerge
The quirky Guardians of the Galaxy team, featuring Rocket Raccoon and Groot, amidst a vibrant cosmic setting, highlighting the blend of humor and action that might appeal to older children and teens.
Iron Man 3: Tony Stark is dealing with PTSD after the events of The Avengers, leading to a darker story with terrorist attacks, exploding villains, and the cold-blooded shooting of a female character.
Thor: The Dark World: This film is a jumbled mess with a darker tone. A character dies, leaving a lasting impact, and there are scenes where characters lose limbs (though temporarily).
Captain America: The Winter Soldier: This film is brutal, with Jason Bourne-style fight choreography and gunfights. A woman is shot dead in cold blood. The Winter Soldier is a ruthless villain who tests Captain America.
Guardians of the Galaxy: While filled with lovable characters, this film has a raunchier tone. The lead character is a womanizing space rogue, and the team consists of foul-mouthed criminals. The opening scene depicts a young Peter Quill watching his mother die of cancer.
Avengers: Age of Ultron: This film has similar parental concerns as the first. There’s a subplot about Black Widow’s infertility, creepy visions, Ultron ripping off an arm, and a minor hero dying.
Ant-Man: This film is delightful and family-friendly, offering a welcome break from the darker tones of Phase Two.
Phase Three: The Stakes Get Higher
Thanos wielding the Infinity Gauntlet in Avengers: Infinity War, a symbol of the immense power and stakes involved in the film that parents should consider when deciding on age appropriateness.
Captain America: Civil War: This film features an incredible action scene but also explores the consequences of The Avengers’ actions. It deals with heavy themes and breaks the team apart. Black Panther and Spider-Man make their MCU debut.
Doctor Strange: The plot is similar to Iron Man, but with magic. There’s brief talk about characters sleeping together and a jarring car crash.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: This film is raunchier and has a mean streak. It’s less connected to the overall narrative.
Spider-Man: Homecoming: This film is an absolute delight and is very family-friendly.
Thor: Ragnarok: This film overhauls the Thor movies with an ’80s action-comedy vibe. It has more profanity, adult jokes, and a murderous villain.
Black Panther: The female supporting characters steal the show. There’s violence, but nothing outside the norm.
Avengers: Infinity War: This film is not kid-friendly. Thanos slaughters people, and the ending is grim. It may unintentionally condone abuse. Small children were reportedly crying in theaters after seeing it.
Ant-Man and The Wasp: Like the first Ant-Man, this film is delightful and family-friendly.
Conclusion
Ultimately, carefully consider your children’s maturity levels and sensitivities when deciding whether to let them watch “How to Get Away with Murder” or any other mature-themed content. While Ant-Man and Spider-Man: Homecoming could be a better fit, previewing content is always recommended.
