NC-17 Vs TV-MA: Understanding the Differences, Similarities, and What They Mean for Viewers
In today’s entertainment industry, there are various ratings attached to films, TV shows, and other forms of media to indicate the level of content represented inside. These ratings provide audiences with an insight into what to expect before deciding on what to watch. Two popular ratings are NC-17 and TV-MA. While both are known to represent mature content, they have slight differences that might leave you a bit confused. Here is a complete guide to understand the differences between NC-17 and TV-MA ratings.
Understanding NC-17
NC-17 stands for “No Children under 17 admitted.” It is a rating system used for movies in the United States to indicate that a film is strictly for adults. The rating was introduced in 1990 to replace the previous X-rating system, which had been used as an indicator of pornographic or excessively violent films. NC-17 rating aims to set a standard for people who can view films without being censored.
Movies that receive an NC-17 rating are expected to feature explicit sexual content or extreme violence, including graphic language and nudity. The NC-17 rating does not imply that a movie is pornographic, but rather it signifies that film is inappropriate for children and vulnerable adults.
Understanding TV-MA
TV-MA is another media rating system in the United States. It stands for “Mature Audiences Only,” and it’s issued to TV shows to indicate adult content. The rating indicates material that is not suitable for audiences under 17 years of age.
TV-MA rating covers strong language, violence, sexual content, and nudity. It is important to note that like the NC-17 rating for films, TV-MA does not necessarily mean that a TV show is inappropriate or pornographic.
Similarities between NC-17 and TV-MA
The most apparent similarity between NC-17 and TV-MA ratings is that they are used to indicate adult-only content. Both ratings are used to entice individuals who are looking for mature material that is intended for adults only.
Another similarity between the two ratings is that they both have an age limit of 17 years or older. This means that individuals below 17 cannot view audiovisual content rated NC-17 or TV-MA, regardless of whether they are accompanied by adults or not.
Differences between NC-17 and TV-MA
The biggest difference between NC-17 and TV-MA ratings is that NC-17 ratings are assigned to movies, while TV-MA ratings are assigned to TV shows. This means that NC-17 films can be watched in cinemas, while TV shows that have TV-MA ratings are only shown on television or online streaming platforms like Netflix.
Another difference between the two ratings is that NC-17 movies are less common than TV-MA rated TV shows. This is because TV-MA ratings are issued to many shows that are designed to cater to mature audiences’ needs, including drama, horror, and action shows.
The third difference is that NC-17 movies have fewer restrictions compared to TV-MA rated TV shows. NC-17 rated movies can feature more extreme violence, language, and nudity compared to TV-MA rated TV show. The reason is that TV-MA rated shows have to adhere to strict broadcasting rules, while NC-17 rated movies are not subject to broadcasting restrictions in cinemas.
What Does This Mean For Viewers?
Understanding the differences between NC-17 and TV-MA ratings is essential for viewers. It’s important to note that these ratings are used to guide the content viewers watch, and not necessarily a strict rule that has to be followed. However, adhering to these ratings is vital to protecting children from inappropriate content and ensuring that those seeking mature content are not disappointed.
It’s important to keep in mind when deciding what to watch that NC-17 rated movies are not suitable for viewing in the presence of children. TV-MA ratings also indicate that the content shown in TV shows is not intended for children. Therefore individuals who are not of age or maturity to view this content should not tune in.
Conclusion
NC-17 and TV-MA ratings are significant in the entertainment industry. While the ratings are intended to help individuals navigate mature content, it’s important to keep in mind that they are not the law. Ultimately, parents and individuals can decide what content is appropriate for themselves or their children. However, understanding these ratings can help viewers make informed decisions on what to watch while not exposing minors to inappropriate content.