 American ClassificationThe American system was developed with seven categories, three of which are designed specifically for children. The system is completely voluntary and thus not all networks or stations show the ratings with the program. As well, the station may choose not to show the content label (V, L, S, N) with the rating.
The only exempted types of programming are news and sports. Unedited movies aired on premium / pay-TV channels do not require the rating to be shown. Unedited movies aired on cable TV (this excludes premium / pay-TV channels) show the rating given by the Motion Picture Academy of America (MPAA) instead of this system. MPAA ratings are shown at the bottom.
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All Children |
"This program is designed to be appropriate for all children. Whether animated or live action, the themes and elements in this program are specifically designed for a very young audience, including children from ages 2-6. This program is not expected to frighten younger children.
What you need to know: Not all TV-Y shows are violence-free. Some shows with cartoon violence are rated TV-Y, such as the “Road Runner” cartoons. There is no content rating to let you know if a TV-Y show contains violence."
TV-Y shows are generally safe for all young children. The show may contain some aspects of comedic violence, but it should not scare the child. The topics are aimed specifically at young kids.
There are no V, L, S, N labels with the rating as the show should be free of these elements.
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Directed to Older Children |
"This program is designed for children age 7 and above. It may be more appropriate for children who have acquired the developmental skills needed to distinguish between make-believe and reality. Themes and elements in this program may include mild fantasy or comedic violence, or may frighten children under the age of 7. Therefore, parents may wish to consider the suitability of this program for their very young children.
What you need to know: TV-Y7 shows that contain a lot of fantasy violence are supposed to be labeled with the “FV” rating. But even some TV-Y7 shows without the FV label may contain fantasy or comedic violence that could be of concern to some parents, although it is usually much milder than in those shows with the FV rating."
TV-Y7 shows are still fairly safe for kids to watch, but parents should be careful in letting their children under the age of 7 watch as the child may not be able to differentiate between the make-believe in the show and real-life. Some shows rated TV-Y7 could actually be rated TV-Y7-FV, but the fantasy violence involved here is somewhat milder.
There are no V, L, S, N labels with the rating as the show should be free of these elements (except for fantasy violence). |
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Directed to Older Children - Fantasy Violence |
"For those programs where fantasy violence may be more intense or more combative than other programs in the TV-Y7 category, such programs will be designated TV-Y7-FV.
What you need to know: A TV-Y7-FV rating indicates a program that may contain some or all of the following characteristics: violence as a prevalent feature of the program; fighting presented in an exciting–even thrilling–way; villains and superheros valued for their combat abilities; violent acts glorified; and violence depicted as an acceptable and effective solution to a problem. Fantasy violence may be part of an animated cartoon, a live-action show, or a program that combines both animation and live-action."
This type of show is aimed at children age 7 and older, but contains some fantasy violence that may be of concern to parents.
There are no V, L, S, N labels with the rating as the show should be free of these elements (except for fantasy violence). |
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General Audiences |
"Most parents would find this program appropriate for all ages. Although this rating does not signify a program designed specifically for children, most parents may let younger children watch this program unattended. It contains little or no violence, no strong language and little or no sexual dialogue or situations.
What you need to know: Most TV-G shows don’t contain any sex, violence or adult language at all. Those that do have such content are usually mild. There are no content ratings used on TV-G shows to let you know if they do contain such content."
TV-G shows generally have little violence or other objectionable elements involved in the program. However, parents should be warned that some language or sexual dialogue may be involved. These types of shows can be watched by the entire family.
There are no V, L, S, N labels with the rating. |
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Parental Guidance Suggested |
"This program contains material that parents may find unsuitable for younger children. Many parents may want to watch it with their younger children. The theme itself may call for parental guidance and/or the program contains one or more of the following: moderate violence (V), some sexual situations (S), infrequent coarse language (L), or some suggestive dialogue (D).
What you need to know: Many TV-PG shows do contain moderate levels of sexual dialogue or violence, and not all of them are labeled with the content ratings. TV-PG shows with higher levels of sex, violence or adult language are usually labeled with content labels."
TV-PG shows are not aimed at children as the show contains objectionable material. Parents should take caution if they choose to let older children watch the show.
You may see V, L, S, N labels with the rating. |
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Parents Strongly Cautioned |
"This program contains some material that parents would find unsuitable for children under 14 years of age. Parents are strongly urged to exercise greater care in monitoring this program and are cautioned against letting children under the age of 14 watch unattended. This program contains one or more of the following: intense violence (V), intense sexual situations (S), strong coarse language (L), or intensely suggestive dialogue (D).
What you need to know: Most TV-14 shows contain sex, violence or adult language. Not all of those shows are labeled with the content descriptors. TV-14 shows with the highest levels of sex, violence or adult language are usually labeled with the content ratings. A TV-14 rating without content labels may also indicate a program with a mature theme."
You may see V, L, S, N labels with the rating.
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Mature Audience Only |
"This program is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and therefore may be unsuitable for children under 17. This program contains one or more of the following: graphic violence (V), explicit sexual activity (S), or crude indecent language (L).
What you need to know: Very few shows are labeled TV-MA."
You may see V, L, S, N labels with the rating. |
The ratings may add more specific content labels alongside with the ratings TV-PG, TV-14, or TV-MA. The labels are as follows:
| V | Violence |
| S | Sexual Situations |
| L | Coarse or crude indecent language |
| D | Suggestive dialogue (usually means talk about sex) |
Unedited movies aired on cable TV channels (but not premium or pay-TV channels) carry the following ratings from the MPAA:
| G | General Audiences | All ages admitted. |
| PG | Parental Guidance Suggested | Some material may not be suitable for children. |
| PG-13 | Parents Strongly Cautioned | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. |
| R | Restricted | Under 17 requires accompanying parent or guardian. |
| NC-17 | - | No One 17 and Under Admitted. |
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