The Serpent Queen parents guide: Why is this web series rated TV MA?

The Serpent Queen is a historical drama that explores the life of Catherine de' Medici. The series deftly shows her journey from a helpless, orphaned adolescent to a strong king ruling France for decades.

The Serpent Queen is rated TV MA, though, given its strong political intrigue, sophisticated characters and mature themes. Strong language, graphic violence, and explicit s*xual content help explain why this rating indicates that the material is meant for mature audiences only.

Originally shown on Starz on September 11, 2022, it's now available for Netflix. Navigating across the perilous political terrain, Catherine de' Medici's ascent to power in the French court is the main focus of the story, in terms of her difficulties to conceive and her eventual queenly rule.

Samantha Morton portrays Catherine's intelligence and tenacity in a society controlled by men, so bringing her to life. Starting on July 12, 2024, the second season of the show carried on the story of this amazing queen.

The official synopsis of the show includes:

The Serpent Queen is a clever account of Catherine de' Medici, one of the most influential women in history. An immigrant, common, and plain, de' Medici marries into the 16th century French court as an orphaned teenager, expected to bring a fortune in dowry and produce many heirs. She quickly discovers that her husband is in love with an older woman, her dowry is unpaid, and she is unable to conceive."

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The Serpent Queen Parents Guide: Why is this web series rated TV MA?

For many reasons, each reflecting the mature content of the series, The Serpent Queen has earned her TV MA rating. One of the main reasons for this rating is the way graphic violence is portrayed.

The program doesn't hold back when presenting the terrible reality of the French court in the sixteenth century — including wars, torture and murder. Younger viewers are not suited for the series, as these sequences are sometimes intense and clearly depicted.

The excellent language used throughout the series adds another important factor influencing the TV MA grade. Explicit language is used often by characters, which reflects the strong and usually hostile surroundings they negotiate.

This degree of language fits the historical context, in which personal conflicts and power struggles sometimes result in verbal confrontations.

S*xual content also plays a crucial role in the mature rating of The Serpent Queen. The series includes explicit scenes that are integral to the narrative, as they highlight the power dynamics and personal relationships within the court.

These scenes, while not gratuitous, are explicit and contribute to the show's adult themes, emphasizing the complexity of Catherine de' Medici's life and the challenges she faced.

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The cast and crew of The Serpent Queen

The Serpent Queen's talented cast and crew beautifully depict Catherine de' Medici's life. Samantha Morton convincingly portrays Catherine de' Medici, capturing her calculated and strategic mind. Liv Hill plays Catherine's younger self, revealing her development.

Supporting actors include Barry Atsma as Montmorency, a prominent player in the French court, and Amrita Acharia as Aabis, a close friend of Catherine. Ruby Bentall plays Angelica, giving the court's complex relationships more nuance while Enzo Cilenti portrays Cosimo Ruggeri, an Italian fortune teller.

The creators of the series support the cast's performances; Justin Haythe leads the charge as the showrunner and main writer, guaranteeing that the narrative stays true to its historical roots and captivating the audience with its engaging narrative.

The Serpent Queen is a fascinating historical drama about Catherine de' Medici, a woman who braved the odds to become France's most powerful ruler. However, its graphic violence, explicit language and s*xual content make it suitable only for adults, justifying its TV MA rating.

For those interested in dark historical dramas, the series' powerful performances and intricate plot make it a must-watch.