When a series is on broadcast TV, you know that it’s going to be mild in terms of nudity and swearing. Young Sheldon, the prequel spin-off of The Big Bang Theory, is technically a TV-PG comedy.
This means it’s suitable for children, right? Well, for a lot of children it will be. You may decide that your kids are old enough to watch. However, this may not be the best for some of the younger viewers out there, and there are many people who think that it should be rated TV-14 instead.
Let me say that this isn’t a series either of my kids are into. They haven’t watched an episode and show no interest in the storyline. So, while it may technically be suitable for them, it just isn’t in their wheelhouse of shows to watch just yet.
Why should Young Sheldon be rated TV-14?
For the most part, this series is mild. It’s a situational comedy, so it’s not really going to work for younger children. They want to see action and fun storylines, and Young Sheldon doesn’t quiet offer that. A lot of the jokes thrown in are aimed at adults rather than kids.
Just because something includes children shouldn’t mean that it’s for children. This series does still have some language, such as the word “damn,” and there are implied intimate scenes. There’s a moment in the first season where it’s implied what Sheldon’s parents have gotten up to in the bedroom.
No nudity is every shown, and there isn’t any graphic violence. However, there are some adult subjects. We just have to look at Georgie and Mandy with their teen pregnancy storyline. This probably isn’t the best subject matter for younger children. However, tweens and teenagers could certainly benefit from watching it play out. It is important to raise awareness about teen pregnancy and what it actually means.
There is some drinking and smoking. This is on the mild side and works with the time period the series is set in. It’s something as a parent you need to decide on whether you want to expose younger children to it or not.
My gut says that TV-14 is probably right for Young Sheldon, and it’s what I assumed the age rating was. I was a little surprised to find out it was TV-PG.
Young Sheldon is available to stream on Paramount+.