Is Percy Jackson and the Olympians safe for kids? Is Percy Jackson 2023 OK for children? Read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parents guide and mom review of the all-new Disney+ 2023 television series season 1, starring Walker Scobell as Percy, Leah Sava Jeffries as Annabeth Chase, and Aryan Simhadri as Grover Underwood. No spoilers! #PercyJackson #DisneyPlus May contain commissioned links.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide to New Disney+ Series Season 1
Only for the gods…
2010 promised a series of movies fit for the gods as the cheap Harry Potter knock-off Percy Jackson & the Olympians: Lightning Thief film was released. But looks like the gods didn’t approve – with a poor Rotten Tomatoes movie rating and a bunch of angry Percy Jackson fans who were disappointed in the book to film adaptation.
With Disney+ at the helm of this Rick Riordan series, one hopes that this book series will translate better as a television show. Is it a Percy Jackson “Harry Potter rip off” repeat? Or do we finally have a Percy Jackson series worthy of being claimed by the gods (aka the audience)?
In this Percy Jackson and the Olympians 2023 Review | Safe for Kids?, I’m breaking down the visuals, the story, a full TV-PG age rating explanation for violence, adult themes and language, and what kids’ age recommendation is suggested to watch in this new 2023 Percy Jackson TV series parents guide to the new streaming television show season 1 on Disney+.
A no-spoiler parent review of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, does this series finally do the gods justice? Or is this another 2010 Lightning Thief flop?
The Visuals
Visually, Percy Jackson and the Olympians series looks like a Disney+ original series, with a few added special effects and CGI technology enhancements that bring this series to a higher budget, better looking television show. On par with Goosebumps or one step below Marvel’s Loki, Percy Jackson definitely got a visual makeover from the 2010 film. Definitely for the better.
Photosensitivity Warning. For viewers prone to epilepsy and photosensitivity, the first two episodes alone are full of lightning storm effects. I’m talking lots of bright flashing and strobing light effects in otherwise very dark scenes. These scenes can be very triggering for those prone to seizures and photosensitivity.
The Story
Based on the best-selling children’s mythology book series of the same name by award-winning author Rick Riordan, the all-new 2023 Disney+ original television series stars Walker Scobell (“Secret Headquarters“) as Percy Jackson, Leah Sava Jeffries (“Something from Tiffany’s“) as Annabeth Chase, and Aryan Simhadri (“Cheaper By the Dozen” 2023) as Grover Underwood, along with a huge list of celebrity guest stars ranging from Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Mary Poppins Returns“) to Megan Mullally (“Will & Grace“).
The first two episodes are on pace with the plot from the first book of the Percy Jackson and Olympians, The Lightning Thief. Keeping episodes short and storyline focused on major highlights, this show thankfully doesn’t feel chopped up and sloppy. Episodes are definitely focusing on more of that older kid and tween area of interest. However, I do wonder how some of the major story cuts are going to play out in episodes down the road.
For the first few episodes at least, I’m happy with the level of character development, action, adventure and a little side humor. Adding more humanity and relatability to the tween crowd – I just really hope that Disney+ doesn’t screw up with this series into making Percy Jackson a B-level Harry Potter instead of focusing on the demi-god strengths that make this Rick Riordan book series an epic success. But so far, the story, the characters, the humor – very Rick Riordan and much improved over the 2010 film.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians 2023 TV-PG Rating Explained
Is Percy Jackson and the Olympians 2023 safe for kids? Another Disney+ original series that’s rated TV-PG? Should parents be concerned? It’s no secret that I am highly skeptical of all MPAA ratings (um hello, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker not disclosing any language??). And as we know, not all movie and TV age ratings are the same. As a parent, it’s been rather heartbreaking to witness how ratings have shifted over the years with a G-rating no longer an option.
PG ratings now oscillating between Turning Red intense to Christopher Robin calm, and even PG-13/TV-14 age ratings teetering on the edge of R or MA ratings (Goosebumps and Werewolf by Night, I see you!), there’s a wide range between the age of 0-14 years old for parents to consider. Having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or show is kid friendly – and safe for the whole family to watch together.
Why is Percy Jackson and the Olympians rated TV-PG? In this Percy Jackson and the Olympians Review | Safe for Kids?, this 8-episode Disney+ original television series streaming show is rated TV-PG for “violence.” With film and TV ratings also unpredictable these days, having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or television show like Percy Jackson and the Olympians is kid friendly. Is Percy Jackson and the Olympians 2023 too scary for kids? Is Percy Jackson and the Olympians series too intense for kids? Let’s breakdown that TV-PG age rating in this Percy Jackson and the Olympians parents guide.
*Please note that this Percy Jackson and the Olympians TV series review and TV-PG age rating breakdown are for episodes 1 and 2 only. I will update this post with reviews of future episodes below as episode embargoes are released.
Violence/Suspense. This is a television show about Greek gods, demi-gods, fantasy monsters, and a whole lot of fighting. For a tween show, this is a heavy and intense violent series. Lots of hand-to-hand combat, use of weapons including swords, spears, and arrows for stabbing, and visible wounds with realistic, but overall mild blood seen. Suspense is moderate so far with car chases and crashes, creepy and scary monsters (all familiar from the book series), quiet, and eerie music.
Adult Themes. If you thought Percy Jackson and the Olympians TV series was going to be free of adult themes, think again. Remember the principal who got fired for showing the David statue to his school? Well, be prepared for another shock.
The first episode does show art statues of Greek god depictions. And yes, we have a male statue with a full frontal nudity visual. While the camera angle is placed further back, there is NO doubt that the kids will be able to see the statue in 100% true form and may ask questions. Other romantic and sexual innuendo include discussions of love, falling in love, and having children. Overall mild, minus the statue effect.
Discussions of childhood trauma and other child mental health issues include ADHD and dyslexia are present in this series. Bullying is also a theme. There is mild discussion of religion, God and Jesus as well.
Monsters in underwear and discussions of underpants are also present. There is one scene of a character peeing in the woods (nothing seen but sounds are there). And there is also one scene where a character is in his boxer shorts (may be mistaken for shorts) as he puts his pants on.
There is discussion of alcohol including a specific brand and year that may or may not go over the kids’ heads. But the word “alcohol” is used in verbal context.
Language. So far, there is no foul language or swear words used in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians 2023 series. However, mild insults and bad language include “loser,” and “weird.” Overall, I’m very happy with the direction of the language in this Disney+ series…so far.
Episode 3 Review Update | 44 minutes – mild peril and suspense in this episode with the introduction of a new character and creepy monsters. Visual and verbal discussion of “poop.” Bad language includes use of phrase “oh jeez.” Be warned that this episode does follow the pattern of a mid credits preview for the next episode (aka Episode 4). Skip if you want to avoid spoilers.
Episode 4 Review Update | 33 minutes – Mild peril in this episode. Otherwise, nothing of note than what has already been mentioned. Skip the mid credits preview if you want to avoid episode 5 spoilers.
Episode 5 Review Update | 40 minutes – Mild peril and suspense in this episode. Language includes “dummies,” “idiots,” “shut up” and “hate.” New cameo. Skip the mid credits preview if you want to avoid episode 6 spoilers.
Episode 6 Review Update | 34 minutes – Mild peril. Adult themes include gambling in a casino, drinking alcohol and video games. Scenes in darkness. Language includes 1 instance of “jeez.” Skip the mid credits preview to avoid episode 7 spoilers.
Episode 7 Review Update | 41 minutes – Mild peril, suspense, scenes in darkness with creepy music, characters, and monsters. Scariest episode to date. Language includes one use of “dummy.” Reminder to skip the mid credits preview to avoid episode 8 spoilers.
Finale Episode 8 Review Update | 42 minutes – Hand to hand combat and one scary monster. Otherwise, overall a good wrap on Percy Jackson season 1. I enjoyed this series immensely better than the films. Here’s hoping there will be a season 2 (same cast, please!)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Age Rating for Kids
With a runtime of 37 to 43 minutes per episode, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is definitely catering to younger kids and short attention spans. But with heavy dialogue about Greek gods in each episode, the conversation may get confusing for young kids who are not into the books. Heavy fantasy themes, violence, and possible questionable adult themes may warrant a parent preview of this Disney+ original series.
The new Disney+ original series is most like Harry Potter with Greek god aspects.
The all-new Disney+ original Percy Jackson 2023 television series anticipates a total of 8 episodes for season 1. There are no rumors yet of a season 2.
The all-new 2023 Percy Jackson and the Olympians 8-episode Disney+ original television series streaming show is rated TV-PG for “violence.“
No, the Percy Jackson and the Olympians 2023 series has no post credit scenes so far. However, there is a pattern of showing clips of sneak peeks of the next episode in the mid credits. If you’d rather avoid spoilers, I would click/fast forward to the end to watch the next episode.
Based on my Percy Jackson and the Olympians 2023 parents guide and mom review above, this parent movie reviewer would not recommend Percy Jackson and the Olympians television series to kids younger than the age of 9-10 years old.
Considering the full TV-PG rating breakdown above, this parent movie reviewer would not recommend Percy Jackson and the Olympians TV series to kids younger than the age of 9-10 years old. This Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 1 TV-PG rating is pretty spot on and easily comparable to the National Treasure movie series ratings.
I recommend parents prescreen season 1 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians 2023 for heavy violence, intense action, and dark fantasy themes throughout each episode.
The Overall
I’m holding my breath for this series. Percy Jackson and the Olympians has already one failed attempt of book to film adaptation. I don’t think he can survive a second.
But with 6 episodes left, it’s honestly too early to tell which way this demi-god is going to go. But after 2 episodes, I’m fish hooked and rooting for Perseus. Only the gods will see how this TV series turns out.
Follow Percy Jackson and the Olympians series on social media:
- Website: https://ondisneyplus.disney.com/show/percy-jackson-and-the-olympians
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyPlus/
- Twitter (“X”): https://twitter.com/percyseries
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/percyseries/
- #PercyJackson #DisneyPlus
Looking for more parent movie reviews and TV reviews like Percy Jackson and the Olympians Review | Safe for Kids? Check out these popular review posts:
Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the all-new 8-episode season 1 TV show with a 2 episode television series premiere is streaming exclusively on Disney+ starting Wednesday, December 20, 2023, with new episodes every Wednesday through January 31, 2024. Will your family be watching?
I was invited to screen the episodes 1-4 of the new Percy Jackson and the Olympians 2023 television series in exchange for this Percy Jackson and the Olympians Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide. All photos courtesy of Disney+. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more movie updates, celebrity interviews, entertainment and behind-the-scenes info!
Tom says
Why is a movie that shows full frontal, fully nude male statue rated PG? Are we desensitized by all the male nudity in recent shows? More importantly what is the purpose and endgame for including this in a show for children? What affect does this have on 9-10 year old boys? Thanks
concerned17 says
There have been many pictures of frontal nudity of women throughout the film industry which have not been rated higher…why are we so concerned with male genitalia?