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.
Next. All the Yellowstone spin-off shows. dark
Lawmen: Bass Reeves streams new episodes Sundays on Paramount+.