How Old Should You Be to Watch American Horror Story?
American Horror Story is a popular television series that has been captivating audiences since its debut in 2011. The show has gained a reputation for being one of the most disturbing and graphic shows on television, and as a result, many parents are left wondering if it is appropriate for their children to watch. In this article, we will explore the age rating system in the US, why American Horror Story has a TV-MA rating, the psychological impact on young viewers, and parental guidance and responsibility.
Age Rating System in the US

The TV Parental Guidelines, also known as the TV ratings, were created to help parents make informed decisions about what their children watch on television. The ratings are broken down into different categories based on age groups and come in two parts: the first is a letter that corresponds to the age group, and the second is a content descriptor that provides additional information about the show’s content.
The age groups are as follows:
- TV-Y: All Children
- TV-Y7: Directed to Older Children
- TV-G: General Audience
- TV-PG: Parental Guidance Suggested
- TV-14: Parents Strongly Cautioned
- TV-MA: Mature Audience Only
American Horror Story has a TV-MA rating, which means it is intended for mature audiences only. The show contains content that is not suitable for children under the age of 17, and parental guidance is strongly advised.
According to the TV Parental Guidelines, content that may be included in a TV-MA show includes graphic violence, strong sexual content, nudity, strong language, and substance abuse.
Why American Horror Story Has a TV-MA Rating

American Horror Story is known for its graphic and disturbing content. The show contains scenes of extreme violence, gore, sexual content, and profanity. These scenes are not appropriate for younger viewers and can have a lasting impact on their emotional and psychological well-being.
The show’s creators have stated that they wanted to push the boundaries of what is acceptable on television and create a show that is both shocking and engaging. While this may have been successful in terms of ratings and critical acclaim, it has also led to concerns about the impact the show may have on young viewers.
In the next section, we will explore the psychological impact that American Horror Story can have on young viewers and why parental guidance is essential when it comes to media consumption.
Why American Horror Story Has a TV-MA Rating (Continued)
American Horror Story’s TV-MA rating is due to the graphic content portrayed in the show. The show contains scenes of graphic violence and gore, sexual content and nudity, profanity, and drug use. These scenes are not appropriate for younger viewers and can have a long-lasting impact on their emotional and psychological well-being.
Graphic Violence and Gore: American Horror Story is known for its graphic violence and gore. The show contains scenes of murder, torture, and other violent acts that are not appropriate for younger viewers. Exposure to violence at a young age has been linked to aggressive behavior, desensitization to violence, and the development of anxiety and depression.
Sexual Content and Nudity: The show also contains scenes of sexual content and nudity that are not appropriate for younger viewers. Exposure to sexual content at a young age has been linked to early sexual activity, risky sexual behavior, and the development of negative attitudes towards women.
Profanity and Drug Use: American Horror Story also contains scenes of profanity and drug use. Exposure to profanity at a young age has been linked to an increase in aggressive behavior, while exposure to drug use can lead to substance abuse and addiction.
Psychological Impact on Young Viewers
Research has shown that exposure to media violence can have a long-lasting impact on young viewers. Exposure to violence at a young age has been linked to an increase in aggressive behavior, desensitization to violence, and the development of anxiety and depression.
American Horror Story can have a significant psychological impact on young viewers. The show’s graphic content can lead to nightmares, anxiety, and fear in younger viewers. Exposure to sexual content and nudity can lead to confusion and inappropriate behavior, while exposure to profanity and drug use can lead to negative attitudes towards authority figures and an increase in risky behavior.
It is essential for parents to monitor their children’s media consumption and ensure that they are not exposed to content that is not appropriate for their age. Parents should be aware of the TV ratings and content descriptors and use them as a guide when deciding what their children can watch.
In the next section, we will explore parental guidance and responsibility when it comes to media consumption.
Parental Guidance and Responsibility
As a parent, it is important to be involved in your child’s media consumption. This includes monitoring what they watch on television and being aware of the content they are exposed to. Here are some tips for parents to help monitor their children’s viewing habits:
- Set clear boundaries: Establish clear guidelines for what types of shows and movies your child can watch. Make sure they understand why certain content is not appropriate for them.
- Use parental controls: Most modern television sets and streaming services offer parental controls that allow you to limit the content your child can access.
- Watch with your child: If your child wants to watch a show or movie that you are not familiar with, consider watching it with them. This will give you an opportunity to assess the content and discuss any concerns you may have.
- Talk to your child: It is important to have open and honest communication with your child about the content they are consuming. Encourage them to ask questions and express their feelings.
Parents should also consider alternatives to American Horror Story for younger viewers. There are many other shows and movies that are appropriate for younger audiences that can still provide entertainment and enjoyment. Some good options include:
- Stranger Things
- The Haunting of Hill House
- Goosebumps
- The Addams Family
- Coraline
It is essential for parents to take an active role in their child’s media consumption to ensure that they are not exposed to content that is not appropriate for their age group.
Conclusion
In conclusion, American Horror Story is a TV-MA show that contains graphic content that is not suitable for younger viewers. The age rating system in the US provides a helpful guide for parents to determine whether a show is appropriate for their child. It is important for parents to be involved in their child’s media consumption and to monitor what they watch on television. By setting clear boundaries, using parental controls, watching with their child, and having open communication, parents can ensure that their child is not exposed to content that is not appropriate for their age group. There are also many alternative shows and movies that are appropriate for younger viewers. It is essential for parents to take an active role in their child’s media consumption to ensure that they are not exposed to content that is not suitable for their age group. As a responsible website, Wiki Put encourages parents to be vigilant in monitoring their children’s media consumption and to make informed decisions about the content they are exposed to.