Raising TV-MA meaning: what the TV-MA rating means for parents
TV-MA meaning: TV-MA stands for "Mature Audience Only." Under the US TV Parental Guidelines, a TV-MA program is "specifically designed to be viewed by adults and therefore may be unsuitable for children under 17." It's the highest TV rating. Networks and producers rate their own shows, and streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu use the same labels.
TV-MA at a glance
| Official meaning | TV-MA – Mature Audience Only: "specifically designed to be viewed by adults and therefore may be unsuitable for children under 17" source |
|---|---|
| Rated by | The networks or producers themselves, under the TV Parental Guidelines source |
| Content letters | L (crude indecent language), S (explicit sexual activity), V (graphic violence) can be added; D is not used with TV-MA source |
| Next rating down | TV-14 (may be unsuitable for children under 14) |
Checked October 2026. Official wording from the rating board; rules can differ by country.
What does TV-MA mean?
Short answer: Mature Audience Only: may be unsuitable for children under 17.
TV-MA is the highest of the US TV ratings: TV-Y, TV-Y7, TV-G, TV-PG, TV-14, and TV-MA. Letters can follow it to show why: L for crude indecent language, S for explicit sexual activity, V for graphic violence.
What age is TV-MA?
Short answer: The guidelines point to adults and say it may be unsuitable under 17. There's no legal age limit for watching TV-MA shows at home.
Who decides TV ratings?
According to the TV Parental Guidelines, programs are "voluntarily rated by broadcast and cable television networks, or program producers." A Monitoring Board of industry experts and public-interest advocates works to keep ratings consistent and reviews complaints. TVs 13 inches or larger made after January 2000 include a V-chip that can block shows by rating.
TV-MA vs. TV-14
TV-14 means a program contains some material that many parents would find unsuitable for children under 14. TV-MA is designed for adults and may be unsuitable under 17. See TV-14 explained.
TV-MA in our parent guides
FAQ
What does TV-MA stand for?
Mature Audience Only.
Is TV-MA the same as rated R?
They're different systems: TV-MA is a TV rating set by networks; R is a movie rating set by the MPA. TV-MA says a show may be unsuitable for children under 17; R says under 17 requires a parent or adult guardian in a theater.
What do L, S, and V mean after TV-MA?
On TV-MA, L means crude indecent language, S explicit sexual activity, and V graphic violence.
Can I block TV-MA shows?
Yes. TVs 13 inches or larger made after January 2000 have a V-chip, and streaming services have their own parental controls by rating.
More age ratings explained
TV-14
Parents strongly cautioned: what TV-14 means and the letters that come with it.
Rated R
Under 17 requires a parent or adult guardian. What that means and how theaters enforce it.
PG-13
Parents strongly cautioned: what PG-13 means, and that it has no age limit.
Raising Stoics is a 12-week program for ages 5–6, built on Stoic philosophy and developmental psychology.