Are you ready for another book adaptation? Washington Black by Esi Edugyan is the latest story to be told on the screen, and Hulu has dropped all eight episodes at once.
The series follows the adventures of George Washington “Wash” Black, an 11-year-old boy who finds his life thrown upside down. Set in the 19th century, Wash is a boy on a Barbados sugar plantation who has to flee after a shocking death, which leads to an adventure of a lifetime at the same time.
He heads to Nova Scotia, where he seeks refuge under the support of the de facto Mayor of Black Halifax, who always prioritizes the community over everything. That’s except Washington Black, who has the mayor challenging his own life and beliefs.
Washington Black age rating: Explaining the TV-14 age rating
This is a series that could work for some of the kids in the house, but we’re looking at the teens and maybe the tweens more than the younger members of the family. Remember, Washington Black may be TV-14, but it’s on Hulu rather than on Disney+.
Sex & nudity: There are some mild moments of undress, but nothing that is too in your face or gratuitous. It’s not going to be anything that makes teens embarrassed to watch the series with their parents.
Violence & gore: This is an adventure series as well as a look at history. There are moments of abuse and violence, as there are scenes on the plantations where the Black people are slaves. In the first episode, we get a view of a dead body, although it’s only at the feet to remain respectful of the character and the story.
Language: There are the odd words, such as the use of religious curses and the odd B-word. That’s the worst of the language in the first few episodes, though. The series has been written with teens in mind, meaning that the language is mild.
Something to note is the use of the N-word, though. This is set in the past when the N-word was predominantly used by white slave owners in a derogatory fashion.
Alcohol & drugs: There are scenes in a tavern, which is where people are drinking. In the 19th century, alcohol was often safer to drink than the water, so it’s not surprising that we see multiple characters drinking ale.
Overall verdict: Who is Washington Black appropriate for?
Washington Black is rated TV-14, and I’d say that this is appropriate. It will work for teenagers and some tweens who are interested in historical fiction, but I wouldn’t say it works for the younger members of the family. To be honest, this isn’t due to the content, but more due to the interest factor. It doesn’t have the adventure that younger kids will want to watch.
I would highly recommend watching this series with your children when they’re watching it. This is a great way to discuss the darker aspects of history, which aren’t all being taught in schools now. We need to see the realities of the past to avoid repeating them.
Washington Black is available to stream in full on Hulu.