Raising The Simpsons age rating: what parents of kids 4–7 should know
The Simpsons age rating: Fox rates the series TV-14 in the US, meaning it may be unsuitable for children under 14, with descriptors for suggestive dialogue, language, sexual situations, and violence. Disney+ also lists it as TV-14, though Rotten Tomatoes lists TV-PG. The UK's BBFC rates the series 12, with seasons 1–5 rated PG. Common Sense Media, an independent nonprofit, lists it for ages 12 and up.
The Simpsons at a glance
- ✓Official rating above age 7
Fox and Disney+: TV-14; BBFC: 12 - ✓Violence in rating descriptors
TV-14 V; BBFC: comic violence - –Scary content in rating descriptors
No series descriptor; BBFC: horror, a few eps - ✓Bad language in rating descriptors
TV-14 L; BBFC: language - ✓Sexual content, drugs, or alcohol in rating descriptors
TV-14 S, D; BBFC: sex and drug references - ✓Rated 12 or higher in the UK or Germany
BBFC: 12; Disney+ Germany label: 12
Each flag is a yes-or-no fact from the sources on this page. The number is a count of flags, not a safety score. How we count. Rating reasons marked mild, very mild, or brief don't count.
| Type | Animated sitcom for Fox (since 1989) about Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie source |
|---|---|
| US (TV rating) | TV-14 (may be unsuitable for children under 14) — D, L, S, V, per Fox; TV-14 on Disney+ source |
| UK (BBFC) | 12 (suitable for 12 and over) for the series; seasons 1–5 PG, seasons 6–19 12 source |
| Germany (Disney+ label) | 12 (from age 12) on Disney+ Germany, a streamer label, not FSK source |
| Common Sense Media | 12+ — cartoon violence, gory Halloween episodes, sex jokes, drinking |
| The Simpsons Movie (2007) | PG-13 (parents strongly cautioned under 13) for irreverent humor; BBFC PG |
Checked October 2026. Ratings and settings change; check the official source before you decide. What do these ratings mean?
Facts for parents, not medical or legal advice. If you're worried about your child, talk to your pediatrician.
What The Simpsons is about
The Simpsons is an animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for Fox. It follows Homer and Marge Simpson and their kids Bart, Lisa, and Maggie in the town of Springfield, and it satirizes American life. It premiered on December 17, 1989, after shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show, and Wikipedia lists 38 seasons and 811 episodes. In April 2025, Fox renewed it for four more seasons. A new film is set for July 23, 2027, according to TVLine.
The Simpsons age rating: what's in it
Short answer: TV-14 in the US, 12 in the UK.
- US (Fox, Disney+): TV-14; Fox lists D, L, S, V.
- UK (BBFC): 12; seasons 1–5 PG, later seasons 12.
- Germany (Disney+ label): 12.
- Common Sense Media: 12+.
The BBFC's advice for 12-rated episodes most often lists moderate sex references, comic violence, and drug references, and a few episodes add discriminatory language or horror. Common Sense Media describes frequent slapstick violence, Homer choking Bart as a joke, words like "hell" and "damn," frequent sexual references, and beer in nearly every episode. It says the Treehouse of Horror Halloween episodes are especially gory.
Why young kids know The Simpsons
It has run on Fox since 1989 and streams on Disney+. In November 2025, Fortnite ran a month-long Simpsons mini-season with a cel-shaded "Springfield Island," according to Variety, and four short Simpsons videos ran on Disney+ and Fortnite's channels. Fortnite is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.
The habit kids may copy: the choke joke
Common Sense Media notes that Homer often chokes Bart, and it's played as a joke.
Try tonight: the hot feeling
When your child gets angry at a sibling or friend, ask where they feel it: hands, tummy, or face. Then say together: "My dragon is waking up. I'll breathe first." In our program, this is the lesson "The Dragon Inside": noticing anger before it takes over.
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FAQ
What is The Simpsons rated?
Fox and Disney+ list it as TV-14 in the US, and Rotten Tomatoes lists TV-PG. The BBFC rates the series 12 in the UK.
Is The Simpsons for kids?
It's rated TV-14 by Fox for suggestive dialogue, language, sexual situations, and violence. Common Sense Media lists it for 12+.
What age is The Simpsons for?
The TV-14 rating means it may be unsuitable under 14. The BBFC rates early seasons PG and seasons 6 onward 12.
What is The Simpsons Movie rated?
The 2007 film is PG-13 in the US for irreverent humor throughout, and PG in the UK.
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