Lawmen: Bass Reeves parents guide: Why is the show rated TV-MA?

Lawmen: Bass Reeves has just premiered and already looks like a big success for Paramount+! But why is this show rated TV-MA, and how appropriate is it for younger viewers?

From Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, Lawmen is a new anthology series focusing on legendary lawmen of the past. The first installment tells the amazing true story of Bass Reeves (David Oyelowo), a former slave in the Civil War.

The first episode showed Reeves surviving the war, escaping a brutal master, making his way back to his love, Jennie (Lauren E. Banks), and trying to make a new life as a farmer. Needing some cash, he agrees to hunt down an outlaw and impresses a sheriff in the process. Reeves is soon pulled into joining the U.S. Marshals and embarks on a new career as a law enforcement officer.

The show has a great supporting cast, including Dennis Quaid and Donald Sutherland, and some gorgeous filming locations. But is it appropriate for younger viewers?

Why is Lawmen: Bass Reeves rated TV-MA?

The clear reason behind the TV-MA rating is language. Not only is there a lot of cursing, but thanks to this being set in the post-Civil War era, there are many racial slurs thrown at Reeves, which are taken as par for the times.

There’s also violence with the opening scene being a big Civil War battle and numerous gunfights, including a man set on fire. There are also adult situations with Reeves and his wife and more of the classic Old West bits like a local bar and such. That makes it quite inappropriate for pre-teens.

So while Lawmen: Bass Reeves is a good watch, it’s not one for kids as the language may throw off some viewers even though it adds to the realism that makes this show stand out.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves streams new episodes Sundays on Paramount+.