Is Better Call Saul OK for a 13 Year Old to Watch?
As a parent, you may be wondering if the popular AMC drama Better Call Saul is appropriate for your 13-year-old child to watch. This show is a prequel spin-off of Breaking Bad featuring the fan-favorite shady lawyer Saul Goodman years before the events of that show.
Better Call Saul is an excellently crafted show with compelling characters and writing. However, it depicts the main character‘s gradual descent into the criminal underworld and contains some violence, language and mature themes. These elements require thoughtful consideration regarding age-appropriateness for young teenagers.
A Closer Look at the Mature Content
While not as graphic as Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul still contains a moderate level of violence. Beatings, torture and murders occur on screen occasionally. In one difficult scene, a character is tortured with electricity. There are also regular threats and discussions of violence by gang members and criminals.
According to IMDb parents guide data, the show has infrequent but harsh profanity including f-words. Strong Spanish curse words are subtitled in English as well. There are references to drug use and distribution, mainly marijuana and cocaine. The meth trade features prominently as part of the backstory.
Sexual content is mild, mostly limited to innuendo and references. However, there are no actual sex scenes or nudity depicted. The show does feature social drinking and intoxication quite often, including scenes set in bars and nightclubs.
Beyond the adult content, Better Call Saul explores morally ambiguous themes that require maturity to fully grasp. The protagonist is a lawyer who bending and breaking the rules, and descending deeper into the criminal underworld. Criminals are humanized, while law enforcement are not perfect heroes.
The show also delves into complex human emotions and relationships with nuance. Mental illness, dysfunctional families, jealousy and regret feature prominently. The writing and acting is outstanding, but the tone can be bleak at times.
How It Compares to Other Shows
Better Call Saul is certainly less explicit than other adult dramas like Game of Thrones or Ozark. According to Rotten Tomatoes audience score data, it is on par with shows like Narcos and Peaky Blinders in terms of mature content.
| Show | Sex & Nudity | Violence & Gore | Profanity | Audience Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Better Call Saul | No nudity/sex | Moderate | Infrequent harsh | 94% |
| Narcos | Occasional nudity | Frequent bloody | Harsh profanity | 93% |
| Peaky Blinders | No nudity/sex | Very bloody | Frequent f-words | 94% |
Compared to a teen show like Stranger Things which has a TV-14 rating, Better Call Saul‘s content is clearly more adult. It arguably contains similar levels of profanity, violence and scary scenes as more mature teen shows like The Walking Dead.
Recommendations for Ages 13-14
Given its complex moral themes and occasional graphic content, I would recommend parental guidance and a mature viewer for Better Call Saul. The show is best suited for ages 15 and up.
For ages 13-14, the show requires more discernment. I would advise that parents watch ahead of their teens and evaluate content carefully. Selected episodes can be viewed together, allowing you to discuss some of the thought-provoking elements.
However, episodes with the most difficult content should be avoided at 13-14. Ultimately, maturity levels vary among this age group. Some may be able to thoughtfully reflect on the moral ambiguity, while others may get hung up on or desensitized to the violence and crime elements instead.
Open conversations about the characters‘ choices and consequences are key. Reinforce that the behavior and language seen on the show are not acceptable in real life. If your teens struggle with understanding the nuance at their age, it‘s best to hold off until they are a little older.
The Bottom Line
Better Call Saul is an high-quality show that explores complex themes of morality and human nature. While not suitable for younger teens, ages 15+ can really appreciate and engage with the show under parental guidance. For 13-14 year olds, maturity levels vary. Co-viewing selected episodes with your teens is recommended to assess if they are able to handle the content at their age. Ultimately, your judgment as a parent on what is best for your individual child‘s wellbeing prevails.