TV Rating System

The Canadian Classification System (English)

The Canadian system was developed by the Action Group o­n Violence o­n Television (AGVOT). The Canadian system is voluntary to follow. However, the system must be used for describing the following four types of programming (as set out by the CRTC):

  1. “children’s programming: any programming produced specifically for viewers from ages 2-12
  2. drama programming: dramatic series and soap operas, made-for-television movies, comedy series;
  3. ‘reality-shows’: defined as reality-based dramatic programming where real events are ‘re-created’ or where coverage of real events are packaged for broadcast as entertainment rather than information/documentary programming
  4. feature films: theatrical productions subsequently aired by television stations and networks”
    The Canadian system is extremely user-friendly and is very easy to understand. It is broken down into seven categories. If a show is produced in a country outside of Canada and is aired o­n a Canadian station, the station or network airing the program must add a Canadian rating to the program.

 

E
 E – Exempt “Exempt programming includes: news, sports, documentaries and other information programming; most talk shows, music videos, and variety programming.”
When you don’t see a rating o­n the top left of your screen, it means this show is exempt. Thus the lack of rating does not mean that the show is safe to watch – it just doesn’t have to be rated. News and information shows are not rated because to block them out using the V-Chip would contravene laws regarding the freedom of speech.
C – Children “Programming intended for children with this designation must adhere to the provisions of the Children’s section of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) Voluntary Code o­n Violence in Television Programming.
As this programming is intended for younger children under the age of 8 years, it will pay careful attention to themes which could threaten their sense of security and well-being. As programming for children requires particular caution in the depiction of violence, there will be no realistic scenes of violence. Depictions of aggressive behaviour will be infrequent and limited to portrayals that are clearly imaginary and unrealistic in nature.”
Violence:

  • might contain occasional comedic, unrealistic depictions
    Language:
  • no offensive language
    Sex: none
    Nudity: none
    Shows that are aimed at preschoolers or at young elementary school-age children fall into this category. There is absolutely no offensive content, except for comedic violence that will not scare children.
C8+ – Children eight years and older “This classification is applied to children’s programming that is generally considered acceptable for youngsters 8 years and over to view o­n their own. It is suggested that a parent/guardian co-view programming assigned this classification with younger children under the age of 8.
Programming with this designation adheres to the provisions of the Children’s Section of the CAB Voluntary Code o­n Violence. These include not portraying violence as the preferred, acceptable, or o­nly way to resolve conflict; or encouraging children to imitate dangerous acts which they may see o­n the screen.Programming within this classification might deal with themes which could be unsuitable for younger children. References to any such controversial themes shall be discreet and sensitive to the 8-12 year age range of this viewing group.”
Violence:

  • any realistic depictions will be infrequent, discreet, of low intensity, and shall portray the consequences of violence.
  • violence portrayed must be within the context of the storyline or character development.
  • might include mild physical violence, comedic violence, comic horror, special effects; fantasy, supernatural, or animated violence
    Language:
  • no profanity
  • might have infrequent use of language which may be considered by some to be socially offensive or discriminatory, and then o­nly if employed within the context of storyline or character development.
    Sex: none
    Nudity: none
    Most shows that a child would watch fit into this category. This includes most Saturday morning and weekday afternoon cartoons, and most programming that is aired o­n YTV.
G – General programming, suitable for all audiences “Considered acceptable for all age groups. Appropriate viewing for the entire family.
This is programming intended for a broad, general audience. While not designed specifically for children, it is understood that younger viewers may be part of the audience. Therefore programming within this classification shall contain very little violence, either physical, verbal or emotional.It will be sensitive to themes which could threaten a younger child’s sense of security, and will depict no realistic scenes of violence which minimize or gloss over the effects of violent acts.”
Violence:

  • minimal, infrequent
  • may contain comedic, unrealistic depictions
  • contains no frightening special effects not required by storyline
    Language:
  • may contain inoffensive slang
  • no profanity
    Sex: none
    Nudity: none
    This category basically contains shows that the family can watch together, but are not aimed specifically at children. This includes game shows, cooking or educational programs, and family series such as “Touched By An Angel”.
Parental Guidance “This programming, while intended for a general audience, may not be suitable for younger children (under the age of 8). Parents/guardians should be aware that there might be content elements which some could consider inappropriate for unsupervised viewing by children in the 8-13 age range.
Programming within this classification might address controversial themes or issues. Cognizant that pre-teens and early teens could be part of this viewing group, particular care must be taken not to encourage imitational behaviour, and consequences of violent actions shall not be minimized.”
Violence:

  • any depiction of conflict and/or aggression will be limited and
    moderate; it might include physical, fantasy, or supernatural
    violence.
  • any such depictions should not be pervasive, and must be
    justified within the context of theme, storyline or character
    development.
    Language:
  • might contain infrequent and mild profanity
  • might contain mildly suggestive language
    Nudity:
  • could possibly contain brief scenes of nudity
    Sex:
  • might have limited and discreet sexual references or content when appropriate to the storyline or theme
    Children under the age of 8 should not watch this show, and children under the age of 13 should have a parent or guardian watch the show with them as some content may scare or offend them. Many prime-time sitcoms and dramas fit into this category, provided that their content is not too vulgar.
14+ – Viewers 14 years and older “Programming with this classification contains themes or content elements which might not be suitable for viewers
under the age of 14. Parents are strongly cautioned to exercise discretion in permitting viewing by pre-teens and early teens without parent/guardian supervision, as programming with this classification could deal with mature themes and societal issues in a realistic fashion.”
Violence:

  • while violence could be o­ne of the dominant elements of the storyline, it must be integral to the development of plot or character.
  • might contain intense scenes of violence.
    Language:
  • could possibly include strong or frequent use of profanity
    Sex/Nudity:
  • might include scenes of nudity and/or sexual activity within the context of narrative or theme
    Consider this the PG-13 of TV. There will be content in the program that some people will be offended by. Parents should take precaution by not letting children under the age of 14 watch the show, as the show is aimed at an older audience. Shows that might fit in this category include late-night comedy or talk shows (ie. Saturday Night Live, Jay Leno), many science-fiction shows and soap operas.
18+ – Adult programming “Intended for viewers 18 years and older.
This classification applies to programming which could contain any or all of the following content elements which would make the program unsuitable for viewers under the age of 18.”
Violence:

  • might contain depictions of violence, which while integral to the development of plot, character or themes, are intended for adult viewing, and thus are not suitable for audiences under 18 years of age.
    Language:
  • might contain graphic language
    Sex/Nudity:
  • might contain explicit portrayals of sex and/or nudity
    Children and teenagers under the age of 18 should not watch this show as it will contain material that offends many people. These shows often contain violence or sex in a predominant way throughout the show. Shows that would fit into this category include The Hunger and Sex in the City.