Walker parents guide: Jared Padalecki's CW series is a great introduction to Western crime dramas

With Walker season 4 premiering tonight, you'll want to know if you can watch it while the kids are up. This is the perfect series for teens who are ready for crime dramas.

Walker -- “Past is Prologue” -- Image Number: WLK311b_0284r -- Pictured (L - R): Ashley Reyes as Cassie Perez and Jared Padalecki as Cordell Walker -- Photo: Rebecca Brenneman/The CW -- © 2023 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Walker -- “Past is Prologue” -- Image Number: WLK311b_0284r -- Pictured (L - R): Ashley Reyes as Cassie Perez and Jared Padalecki as Cordell Walker -- Photo: Rebecca Brenneman/The CW -- © 2023 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Walker season 4 is finally here, and you’ll want to watch the episodes on The CW as soon as they air. The question for many, though, is whether this is suitable to watch with the kids in the house. Let's take a look at the age rating for the series -- and whether it matches up with the TV-PG rating.

Walker is a reimagining of Walker, Texas Ranger. Supernatural’s Jared Padalecki stars as Cordell Walker, who initially returns from an undercover mission after the death of his wife. As he starts to realize that there is more to his wife’s murder, he starts to investigate. However, he has two children at home who need him to step up and be a parent.

The series airs on The CW, which is a big giveaway for the age rating. I once dubbed The CW as “the Millennial network” and now it’s becoming a hub for the Gen Z-ers. It’s broadcast TV, and rarely anything raunchy or scary happens here.

Walker parents guide: Explaining the TV-PG rating

The official age rating is TV-PG. That would suggest that the series is suitable for teenagers, and I’d agree. It’s perfect for those who are ready to delve into the world of Western crime dramas. There are plenty of cases to solve with Cordell and his team, we have the family drama that brings humanity to the characters, and there are some entertainingly scary moments. Nothing too intense, but moments that will have you guessing until the end of the episode.

Sex & nudity: There isn’t any full-frontal nudity on the screen. There are times when characters are wearing underwear, but it’s nothing visual or erotic.

Violence & gore: This is likely the worst of all factors that determine an age rating, and there isn’t that much at all. While this is a crime drama, there is nothing gratuitous in nature. There are gunshots and car chases, but nothing that is going to make you squirm. The most intense scenes of violence are likely in the season 3 premiere when Cordell is being held hostage.

Language: The worst words you’re hearing are “damn” and “hell.” Maybe “son of a b***h,” but the cursing is on the mild side of things. Honestly, anyone who watched Padalecki in Supernatural will know the type of language to expect.

Alcohol & drugs: The characters do drink. The majority of them are adults, and there are a few scenes in a bar in each episode. There are drugs shown on screen, but the characters aren’t seen taking drugs. Remember that it’s a crime drama and that means cartels and drug runners now and then.

Overall verdict: Who is Walker appropriate for?

This is a series that offers a great introduction to the world of Western crime dramas. If my 11-year-old wanted to watch it, I would let her. It’s just not a genre she’s interested in. This is a great show to watch with the teens.

Walker airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW.