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Definition of TV Ratings

The United States has had a standardized TV ratings system since early 1997. This system is useful for parents only if they know the definitions for each rating so they can make programming choices based on content indicators.
  1. TV-Y

    • A TV-Y rating means that a program is well-suited for children between 2 and 6 years old. These programs are designed specifically for preschoolers, featuring no foul language, violence or sexual content.

    TV-Y7

    • Though still free of profanity and sex, TV-Y7 programs may have mild violence best suited for children over 7 years old. Some TV-Y7 programs carry an optional "FV" tag, to indicate the presence of fantasy violence.

    TV-G

    • Similar to a feature film's "G" rating, TV-G programs are defined as suitable for general audiences, featuring little or no violence, sexual content or profanity.

    TV-PG

    • As indicated by optional "D," "L," "S," or "V" tags, TV-PG shows may contain some suggestive dialogue (D), foul language (L), sexual content (S) or violence (V). However, this content is usually negligible.

    TV-14

    • TV-14 programs are not recommended for children under the age of 14. These programs contain more excessive use of the same optional content tags as a TV-PG show.

    TV-MA

    • TV-MA broadcasts are intended for audiences over the age of 17. Shows with a TV-MA rating may contain explicit language, sexual content or violence as indicated by the L, S and V tags respectively.

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