Daredevil & Defenders Shows Parents Guide: How Violent & Gory They Are

With Daredevil and his fellow heroes from The Defenders finally landing on Disney+, there’s an appropriate level of concern over their respective age ratings and how violent each show may be. Initially made for Netflix, the Marvel shows tell stories that are a little grittier than the MCU’s traditional offerings. As a result, the various shows that make up the basis for The Defenders saga are a little more violent and brutal in places than many other superhero movies or shows, and feature references to—and themes of—more adult behaviors and habits.

While it currently remains unclear as to whether Marvel’s Netflix actors will return in the MCU, the various Defenders saga shows making their way to Disney+ is an encouraging sign. However, they may prove something of a stumbling block to some, as their darker tone and more brutal violence may not be appropriate for younger viewers. The MCU itself is often skewed to be a little more family-friendly, leaving some concerned about Disney+ finally acquiring titles like Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and other shows that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Each show warrants a slightly different answer, as they each deal with different characters, themes, and stories. However, each of them comes with a rating of TV-MA, which indicates that they are designed specifically for adults, and may not be suitable for those under the age of 17. Here’s a breakdown of just how violent each show is, and why it’s rated TV-MA.

Why Daredevil Is Rated TV-MA

Whether Marvel will make Daredevil season 4 less violent now that the show is on Disney+ remains to be seen, but the existing seasons are decidedly brutal. Daredevil‘s TV-MA rating comes mostly by way of its significant violence, which is central to its story. In addition, there is a reasonable amount of gore in line with its violent scenes, and blood is often shown in line with the realistic injuries sustained by both its heroes and villains.

In addition, Daredevil contains moderate profanity on a regular basis. There are also regular allusions to sexual themes, which at times touch on more disturbing elements, such as references to child abuse. However, there is very little shown in the way of sex or nudity, meaning that Daredevil‘s TV-MA rating is earned almost entirely by the intensity of its violence.

Why Jessica Jones Is Rated TV-MA

Unlike Charlie Cox’s Daredevil, Krysten Ritter’s Jessica Jones is decidedly less violent than it might have been. While its main character possesses super-strength, its fight scenes are far less brutal than one might expect, although there is still significant injury detail in places, which often makes for intense viewing. Where Jessica Jones earns its TV-MA rating, however, is in the themes it deals with.

The nature of Jessica Jones‘ story involves themes of child abuse and sexual abuse, which, combined with the show’s detail of various severe injuries, make it unsuitable for a younger audience. While its gore and violence is less pervasive than that of Daredevil, Jessica Jones does detail intense scenes involving injury and death. While it’s often considered slightly more moderate than other Defenders shows, Jessica Jones is still unsuitable for younger viewers due to its combination of adult themes and gory visuals.

Why Luke Cage Is Rated TV-MA

Despite Mike Colter’s Luke Cage having unbreakable skin, his eponymous show features a considerable about of violence and gore. This includes both fantastical violence involving Cage’s superhuman strength and gun violence, with a number of characters being shot and killed on-screen. Knives are also seen to be used, and a number of characters are violently murdered throughout the series. However, in spite of its violence, Luke Cage features less in the way of sexual scenes and themes than other Defenders shows. It is slightly less dark in tone but also features regular use of profane language—although this is often challenged by its titular hero. Ultimately, it’s Luke Cage‘s violence and injury detail that earns it the TV-MA rating.

Why Iron Fist Is Rated TV-MA

While it’s unclear whether the MCU will be able to save Iron Fist after his show, which is widely considered the weakest entry into the Defenders saga, the fact remains that it also features its share of liberal violence. Much like the other shows, Iron Fist contains a number of graphically violent scenes and depictions of gore. Similar to Daredevil, Iron Fist‘s violence comes in a number of guises, but this is perhaps the biggest reason for the show’s rating, as Iron Fist contains only mild profanity, very little nudity, and moderate references to drug use.

Why The Defenders Is Rated TV-MA

As The Defenders features all four of the previously mentioned heroes, it incorporates the action and themes of all of their respective shows. This means that The Defenders closely matches the tone of each of its characters’ solo efforts, and features a number of instances of intense violence and gore. However, with regards to its general content, it’s perhaps the tamest of Netflix’s Marvel shows, with its more graphic aspects less frequently displayed. It also features mild sex and nudity which may be inappropriate for younger viewers.

Why The Punisher Is Rated TV-MA

Perhaps the least surprising rating of them all is that of The Punisher, which tells the story of the titular anti-hero known for his brutally violent ways. First introduced in Daredevil season 2, Jon Bernthal’s Punisher is by far the most violent character in all of the Defenders saga shows, and his solo outing sees regular instances of graphic violence and gore. The violence of the show is a key part of the characterization of its protagonist, meaning that it’s pervasive and unavoidable.

Throughout The Punisher, there are depictions of brutal violence, murder, and torture. There’s also moderate profanity used regularly throughout, and mild talk of alcohol and drug use. However, as Jon Bernthal’s Punisher is by far the most ruthlessly violent person in either Daredevil or The Defenders saga, his show’s TV-MA rating is easily the most logical.

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