Quick Answer
This Is Us is rated TV-14, meaning it is aimed primarily at viewers aged 14 and up. While some 11 year olds may be mature enough to watch it with parent/guardian permission and supervision, there are themes and content in the show that make it generally unsuitable for most 11 year olds. Parents are encouraged to review the show and use discretion based on their child’s level of maturity.
Show Overview
This Is Us is an emotional drama series that follows the lives and connections of the Pearson family across multiple time periods. The show deals with mature themes including:
- Death and grief
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Racial issues
- Mental illness
- Marital problems
- Teenage romance and sexuality
- Adult language
There are scenes showing or implying sex, as well as partial nudity. The show also depicts scenes related to childbirth.
Maturity Level
At 11 years old, most children are still quite young in terms of emotional maturity and life experience. While some 11 year olds may be able to handle mature themes present in This Is Us if watched with parental guidance, the majority are likely to find certain storylines and scenes confusing, upsetting, or inappropriate.
Key factors for parents to consider regarding maturity level include:
- Ability to distinguish fiction from reality
- Ability to process complex and nuanced relationship issues
- Comfort level with mature language and sexual situations
- Level of exposure to issues like addiction, mental illness, racism, etc.
If a child has no real frame of reference for many of the adult issues in the show, they will likely struggle to understand the gravity of what they are seeing.
Age Ratings
The TV Parental Guidelines rating for This Is Us is TV-14, which means the content is intended for viewers aged 14 and over according to the guidelines below:
| Rating | Description |
|---|---|
| TV-Y | Appropriate for ages 2-6 |
| TV-Y7 | Appropriate for ages 7 and above |
| TV-G | Suitable for all ages |
| TV-PG | Parental guidance suggested |
| TV-14 | Intended for viewers 14 and over |
| TV-MA | Mature audiences only |
The TV-14 rating signals that most of the show’s content is unsuitable for children under 14 years old. Parents are urged to pay close attention to the rating when deciding if a show is appropriate for their child.
Potentially Concerning Scenes
While every child has a different level of maturity, there are several types of scenes in This Is Us that many parents would find inappropriate for 11 year old viewers:
Sexual Situations
– Passionate kissing
– Couples in bed together
– References to sexual acts like oral sex
– Partial nudity (bare backs, cleavage, men’s shirts off)
Childbirth
– Labor and delivery scenes with screaming and blood
– Emergency C-section operation scene
Drug and Alcohol Abuse
– Alcoholism and drunken behavior
– Prescription drug addiction
– Use of illicit drugs like cocaine and LSD
– Drug overdose scene
Strong Language
– Words like “shit”, “damn”, “hell”
– Crude/sexual terms like “dick”, “ass”, “screwed”
Violence
– Shoving/grabbing during arguments
– Smashing objects during fights
– War scene with gunfire and explosions
Benefits of Waiting
While some 11 year olds may be able to enjoy This Is Us, there are benefits to waiting to introduce more mature content:
- Allows time for cognitive and emotional development
- Gives parents more control over messaging and values
- Reduces risk of exposure to confusing/troubling content
- Waits until higher maturity level is reached
- Follows age recommendations from experts
There are many shows that are age-appropriate and can foster positive discussion instead. Allowing a child to avoid content meant for older teens is often wise.
Guidance for Parents
If permitting an 11 year old to watch This Is Us, parents are advised to:
- Watch ahead and assess personal comfort level
- Research specific episodes and plot lines
- Watch together and discuss any confusing/troubling scenes
- Explain complicated relationships and adult themes
- Place limits around binge-watching due to emotional content
- Reinforce that certain behavior is fictional/unacceptable
Engaged parenting can allow an 11 year old to potentially watch selectively, but outright prohibition is reasonable too.
Themes Requiring Maturity
Some key themes and plot lines in This Is Us demand a level of maturity most 11 year olds will not yet possess:
Death/Grief
– Death of major characters, including children
– Heartbreaking sorrow and trauma responses
– Coping with profound loss
Mental Health
– Depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders
– Nervous breakdowns, therapy, psychiatric hospitals
Addiction
– Alcoholism destroying relationships/career
– Painkiller addiction born from chronic illness
– Relapses despite rehab attempts
Body Image
– Obesity and crash dieting, eating disorders
– Extreme weight loss surgery and consequences
– Public shaming/bullying around weight
Racism
– Black family experiences discrimination
– Adopted black child targeted by bullies
– Interracial relationships facing prejudice
Recommendations By Age
Here are some general recommendations for ages to start watching This Is Us:
| Age | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Under 11 | Too mature, avoid watching |
| 11-13 | Use extreme discretion if permitting to watch |
| 14-16 | Watch with parent guidance and conversation |
| 16+ | Old enough to watch independently |
Of course, every child matures at a different rate. But the majority of 11 year olds are still too young for a show like This Is Us.
Alternatives to This Is Us
If looking for family-friendly shows to enjoy with an 11 year old, consider these alternatives:
- Heartwarming comedies like Black-ish and Fresh Off the Boat
- Children’s adventure series like Lost in Space
- Coming-of-age dramas like Stranger Things and Anne with an E
- Fun game/talent shows like Top Chef Jr. and American Ninja Warrior
- Wholesome reality shows like Queer Eye and Making It
There are plenty of great options that provide interesting stories without problematic content.
Weighing Maturity vs Age
While child development experts provide general age recommendations, it’s true that maturity varies individually. A very mature 11 year old may potentially handle This Is Us if given proper support. However, most 11 year olds still need time before viewing such adult content. Parents must weigh their child’s demonstrated maturity against what’s typical for their age group in deciding what’s appropriate. Above all, it’s vital not to rush into exposing kids to entertainment meant for more developed minds and emotions.
Conclusion
Based on its mature themes, sexual situations, language, and age ratings, This Is Us is generally considered unsuitable for 11 year old viewers. While some exceptions may exist, the majority of children this age are not ready for the show’s complex stories and adult content. Parents are urged to use discretion, weigh the benefits of waiting, and select age-appropriate alternatives if deciding whether This Is Us is right for their 11 year old. With mindful parental guidance and ongoing conversations, introducing more mature entertainment can come at the proper time to help expand a child’s understanding rather than create distress or confusion. The hallmark of childhood remains innocence, and parents must protect it however they see fit.