Designated Survivor, a popular American television series that aired from 2016 to 2018, has been a topic of discussion among audiences and critics alike. The show’s unique blend of politics, drama, and suspense captivated viewers worldwide, but its TV-MA rating has raised some eyebrows. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind Designated Survivor’s TV-MA rating and explore the themes, content, and factors that contributed to this classification.
Understanding TV-MA Ratings
Before we dive into the specifics of Designated Survivor, it’s essential to understand what TV-MA ratings entail. TV-MA is a rating assigned by the TV Parental Guidelines, a system developed by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the National Cable Television Association (NCTA). This rating indicates that a program contains mature themes, language, or content that may not be suitable for all audiences, particularly children under the age of 17.
TV-MA ratings are typically assigned to programs that feature:
- Mature themes, such as violence, sex, or substance abuse
- Strong language or profanity
- Graphic content, including gore or nudity
- Suggestive dialogue or situations
Designated Survivor’s Content: A Closer Look
Designated Survivor, created by David Guggenheim, follows the story of Tom Kirkman (played by Kiefer Sutherland), a low-level cabinet member who becomes the President of the United States after a catastrophic attack on the Capitol Building. The show explores themes of politics, power, and corruption, often delving into mature topics.
Some of the content that contributed to Designated Survivor’s TV-MA rating includes:
- Violence and gore: The show features intense and graphic scenes of violence, including explosions, shootings, and hand-to-hand combat. These scenes are often accompanied by blood and gore, making them unsuitable for younger audiences.
- Strong language: Characters in the show frequently use profanity, including strong curse words and suggestive language.
- Mature themes: Designated Survivor tackles complex and mature themes, such as terrorism, corruption, and personal relationships. These themes are often explored in a realistic and intense manner, making them unsuitable for younger viewers.
- Suggestive content: The show features some suggestive dialogue and situations, including romantic relationships and infidelity.
The Impact of Real-World Events on the Show’s Content
Designated Survivor’s content was also influenced by real-world events, such as the 2016 US presidential election and the subsequent political climate. The show’s creators aimed to reflect the complexities and challenges of modern politics, often incorporating real-world issues into the narrative.
This approach led to the inclusion of mature themes and content, such as:
- Terrorism and national security: The show explores the threat of terrorism and the measures taken to prevent attacks, often featuring intense and suspenseful scenes.
- Corruption and scandal: Designated Survivor delves into the world of politics, exposing corruption and scandal at the highest levels of government.
- Personal relationships and drama: The show’s characters are often embroiled in personal relationships and drama, including romantic relationships, infidelity, and family conflicts.
The Role of the Show’s Creators and Writers
The creators and writers of Designated Survivor played a significant role in shaping the show’s content and tone. David Guggenheim, the show’s creator, aimed to create a realistic and intense drama that reflected the complexities of modern politics.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Guggenheim stated, “We’re trying to make a show that’s as realistic as possible, and that means dealing with some tough subjects.” He also emphasized the importance of exploring mature themes, saying, “We’re not shying away from the tough stuff. We’re going to tackle it head-on.”
The show’s writers also contributed to the development of the show’s content, often drawing from real-world events and their own experiences. This approach led to the creation of complex and nuanced characters, as well as storylines that tackled mature themes.
The Impact of the TV-MA Rating on the Show’s Audience
Designated Survivor’s TV-MA rating had a significant impact on the show’s audience. While the rating may have deterred some younger viewers, it also attracted a more mature audience who appreciated the show’s complex themes and realistic content.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kiefer Sutherland stated, “I think the TV-MA rating has actually helped us. It’s allowed us to push the boundaries of what we can do on the show.” He also emphasized the importance of appealing to a more mature audience, saying, “We’re not trying to make a show for kids. We’re making a show for adults.”
The Show’s Ratings and Reception
Despite its TV-MA rating, Designated Survivor performed well in terms of ratings and reception. The show averaged around 5 million viewers per episode in its first season, with a significant increase in viewership during its second season.
The show also received positive reviews from critics, with many praising its complex characters, engaging storylines, and realistic portrayal of politics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the show holds a 74% approval rating, with many critics praising its “intelligent” and “thought-provoking” content.
| Season | Viewers (average) | Rotten Tomatoes rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 million | 74% |
| 2 | 6 million | 82% |
Conclusion
Designated Survivor’s TV-MA rating is a reflection of the show’s complex and mature content. The show’s creators and writers aimed to create a realistic and intense drama that tackled tough subjects, including violence, corruption, and personal relationships.
While the TV-MA rating may have deterred some younger viewers, it also attracted a more mature audience who appreciated the show’s nuanced characters and engaging storylines. The show’s performance in terms of ratings and reception demonstrates that its TV-MA rating was not a hindrance, but rather a reflection of its quality and appeal.
In conclusion, Designated Survivor’s TV-MA rating is a testament to the show’s commitment to exploring mature themes and complex content. If you’re a fan of realistic and intense dramas, Designated Survivor is definitely worth checking out – but be prepared for some mature content along the way.
What is Designated Survivor’s TV-MA rating?
Designated Survivor’s TV-MA rating is a classification given by the TV Parental Guidelines, indicating that the show’s content is intended for mature audiences only. This rating is assigned to programs that contain material that may be unsuitable for viewers under the age of 17, unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
The TV-MA rating is the most restrictive rating in the TV Parental Guidelines system, suggesting that Designated Survivor’s content may include explicit language, graphic violence, or mature themes that are not suitable for younger viewers. This rating serves as a warning to parents and guardians, allowing them to make informed decisions about what their children watch.
What kind of content led to Designated Survivor’s TV-MA rating?
Designated Survivor’s TV-MA rating is primarily due to its depiction of graphic violence, strong language, and mature themes. The show’s storyline, which revolves around a presidential assassination and the subsequent investigation, involves intense and suspenseful scenes that may be disturbing to some viewers. Additionally, the show’s characters often use strong language and engage in mature conversations that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
The show’s creators aimed to portray a realistic and gritty representation of politics and government, which sometimes involves mature and complex themes. While the show’s content may be too intense for younger viewers, it is intended to spark important discussions and reflections among adult audiences.
Is Designated Survivor suitable for all adults?
While Designated Survivor’s TV-MA rating indicates that the show is intended for mature audiences, individual tolerance for graphic content and mature themes can vary greatly. Some adults may find the show’s content too intense or disturbing, while others may appreciate its realistic portrayal of complex issues.
Ultimately, whether or not Designated Survivor is suitable for a particular adult viewer depends on their personal preferences and sensitivities. Viewers who are sensitive to graphic violence, strong language, or mature themes may want to exercise caution when watching the show, while those who appreciate complex and thought-provoking content may find it engaging and entertaining.
Can I watch Designated Survivor with my teenager?
While Designated Survivor’s TV-MA rating suggests that the show is intended for mature audiences only, some parents or guardians may still want to watch the show with their teenager. However, it’s essential to consider the individual maturity level and sensitivity of the teenager before making a decision.
If you do decide to watch Designated Survivor with your teenager, it’s crucial to have an open and honest conversation with them about the show’s content and themes. This can help them understand the context and significance of the show’s mature elements and provide a valuable opportunity for discussion and reflection.
How does Designated Survivor’s TV-MA rating compare to other TV shows?
Designated Survivor’s TV-MA rating is comparable to other TV shows that feature graphic violence, strong language, and mature themes. Shows like House of Cards, The Walking Dead, and Game of Thrones also carry TV-MA ratings due to their intense and complex content.
However, it’s worth noting that TV-MA ratings can vary in their level of restrictiveness, and some shows may be more suitable for younger viewers than others. Ultimately, the TV-MA rating serves as a general guideline, and individual viewers should use their discretion when deciding what shows to watch.
Can I stream Designated Survivor if I have parental controls set up?
If you have parental controls set up on your streaming device, you may be able to restrict access to Designated Survivor based on its TV-MA rating. Many streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu, offer parental control features that allow you to block access to mature content or set up PIN-protected profiles for younger viewers.
However, it’s essential to note that parental controls are not foolproof, and determined viewers may still find ways to access restricted content. Therefore, it’s crucial to have open and honest conversations with your children about the importance of following parental guidelines and respecting content restrictions.
Will Designated Survivor’s TV-MA rating affect its availability on streaming services?
Designated Survivor’s TV-MA rating is unlikely to affect its availability on streaming services, as most platforms cater to a wide range of audiences and offer content with varying levels of maturity. However, some streaming services may choose to restrict access to Designated Survivor based on the viewer’s age or parental control settings.
In general, streaming services aim to provide a diverse range of content that caters to different tastes and preferences. As long as Designated Survivor’s content complies with the platform’s guidelines and terms of service, it is likely to remain available to viewers who are authorized to access mature content.