Vikings parents guide: How graphic is the nudity and violence?

The historical drama series Vikings recently made its streaming debut on Netflix bringing new and old fans into the world of the legendary Norse hero, Ragnar Lothbrok.

The series, which originally aired on the History Channel, follows Ragnar Lothbrok, his wife Lagertha, his brother Rollo, and other Viking characters as they navigate the challenges of raiding, trading, and settling in places like England and Scandinavia. The series explores themes of adventure, family responsibilities, and the Vikings' sense of destiny. The official synopsis, as per IMDb, reads:

"Vikings transports us to the brutal and mysterious world of Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking warrior and farmer who yearns to explore--and raid--the distant shores across the ocean."

- IMDb

While the themes of the series may be appealing to explore as a family, you might be wondering whether watching Vikings with your young ones is the right choice. So, before you set off on a six-season historical journey with Vikings, let's explore just how graphic the series actually is, and whether it is suitable to watch with your kids, or better saved for viewing once the little ones are all tucked up in bed.

So, without further ado, let's dive in and find out how graphic the series is in our official parent guide below!

How graphic is the nudity and violence in Vikings?

While Vikings boasts compelling storytelling and well-rounded female characters, its intense violence and sexual content render it largely unsuitable for children.

Rated an 18 by IMDb and not recommended for viewers under 16 by Common Sense Media, the series features a significant amount of graphic violence and sexual content that may disturb younger audiences.

Viewers can expect frequent and realistic depictions of bloody battles, including close-up scenes of sword fights, stabbings, and harrowing deaths. Graphic corporal punishment, such as beheadings and stonings, is also depicted throughout the series.

Furthermore, Vikings contains frequent threats and instances of sexual assault, as well as physical attacks on women and children. Bedroom scenes depict moments before and after intercourse, occasionally featuring nudity and sexual activity, though not the full act itself. Considering these elements, we advise that the series is not suitable for children under the age of 16.

The level of graphic content in Vikings is akin to mature dramas like Game of Thrones. Therefore, we strongly discourage watching it with young viewers, as it may not be appropriate for their age group!

Shows like Vikings on Netflix you can watch with your kids

While Vikings may not be suitable to watch with your kids, there are plenty of other shows that you can enjoy as a family. One standout recommendation is Dragons: Race to the Edge.

Set in the beloved How to Train Your Dragon universe, this animated series follows the adventures of Hiccup, Toothless, and their fellow Dragon Riders as they confront old foes and discover new dragons. With six thrilling seasons to dive into, it's the perfect choice for a family binge-watching session. So gather your little Vikings-in-training and embark on an epic journey through the skies!