{"id":849,"date":"2022-12-05T12:58:05","date_gmt":"2022-12-05T12:58:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cleverfixes.com\/?p=849"},"modified":"2023-10-04T13:19:12","modified_gmt":"2023-10-04T13:19:12","slug":"what-does-tv-ma-mean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cleverfixes.com\/what-does-tv-ma-mean\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does TV MA Mean? (All Ratings Compared + Full Explanation)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While you’re engrossed in your favorite TV show on Netflix or Amazon Prime, have you ever noticed “TV-MA” popping up in the top left corner of the screen?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re not familiar with it, you might be thinking – <\/strong>what does TV MA mean? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And why does it show up before my TV shows start?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we’ll break down the meaning of “TV-MA” and the rating system meant to assist parents in determining which TV shows are suitable for their kids.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does TV MA mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

“TV MA” signals that a show is intended solely for mature audiences. It’s crafted for adult viewers and might not be appropriate for kids under 17 because it could include strong language, explicit sexual content, or intense violence.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TV MA is part of the TV Parental Guidelines (also known as TV ratings) which were developed to provide parents with insight into the content and age-suitability of various TV shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the TV Parental Guidelines?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Back in the 90s, there were rising public concerns about the escalating levels of profanity, sexuality, and violence on television.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response, in 1996, then U.S. President Bill Clinton signed the Telecommunications Act into law. This law encouraged the entertainment industry to develop a voluntary TV ratings system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal was to arm parents with essential details about TV content that might or might not be kid-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the close of 1996, the TV industry and U.S. Congress rolled out the TV Parental Guidelines. And by 1997, these ratings came into effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These TV Parental Guidelines include six distinct ratings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TV-Y<\/h3>\n\n\n
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FCC \/ Public Domain \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

These TV programs are suitable for all kids, crafted with themes and elements designed for a very young audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TV-Y7<\/h3>\n\n\n
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FCC \/ Public Domain \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

These TV shows are designed for children aged 7 and older. They’re a better fit for kids who can differentiate between real-life and make-believe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The themes and elements of these programs might include a touch of fantasy or comedic violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TV-G<\/h3>\n\n\n
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FCC \/ Public Domain \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

This rating indicates a TV program that’s appropriate for all ages. Although not specifically made for children, parents can comfortably let their kids watch these shows with minimal supervision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The content usually has minimal or no violence, scarce to zero sexual dialogue or situations, and no strong language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TV-PG<\/h3>\n\n\n
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FCC \/ Public Domain \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

These TV shows might not be quite right for younger children. Parents are advised to provide some guidance while their kids watch these shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The content might feature suggestive dialogue, mild sexual themes, and some violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TV-14<\/h3>\n\n\n
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FCC \/ Public Domain \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

TV programs under this rating might not be suitable for children aged 14 and under. It’s strongly recommended that parents supervise their kids when they’re watching these shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expect strong language, intensely suggestive dialogue, explicit sexual themes, and intense violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TV-MA<\/h3>\n\n\n
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FCC \/ Public Domain \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

TV shows with a TV-MA rating are intended strictly for adults. They might not be appropriate for children aged 17 and under.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These shows tend to include crude language, explicit sexual content, and graphic violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the different content descriptors?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wondering about those extra letters that sometimes show up under TV ratings?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These letters, known as content descriptors or content labels<\/strong>, were added in 1997 when they revised the TV rating system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They’re there to provide parents with a more detailed breakdown of a TV show’s content.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With these descriptions, parents can get an idea if a program includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n