Is Ms. Marvel safe for kids? Is the new Marvel television series on Disney+ OK for children to watch? Read the Ms. Marvel Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parents guide to the all new 6 episode Marvel television series show starring Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan, streaming exclusively on Disney+. No spoilers! #MsMarvel May contain commissioned links.
Ms. Marvel Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide
A Marvel television series that’s actually FOR kids? Please excuse me. I need to grab my jaw from the floor.
A first for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the all new Disney+ streaming Ms. Marvel series has been given a PG age rating. A little skeptical? Because you know that I am. After quite a few Marvel surprises over the years (WandaVision TV-14 mid season rating, an Eternals love scene, and a questionable, almost R rated Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness horror film ringing any bells?), I’ve been around enough Marvel releases now to know that if any company is going to push the envelope with movie and TV ratings, it’s going to be Marvel.
Is Ms. Marvel safe for kids? In this Ms. Marvel Review | Safe for Kids? I’m talking visuals, the story, a full TV-PG rating parents guide breakdown, and sharing whether this new live action Marvel TV series streaming exclusively on Disney+ is the Marvel show that families will be talking about this summer. A no spoiler parent review – is Ms. Marvel kid friendly…truly? Or is this new superhero stretched a little too thin? (See what I did there?)
Read The Marvels Movie Review | Safe for Kids?
The Visuals
Dreamland meets reality in this tween/teen driven Marvel live action television series. Using colorful imagery, pop culture, GIF inspired animation, and a diverse backdrop, the audience is immersed into the life of Muslim Pakistani America as only a high school teen can imagine. But being a part of the MCU, that doesn’t mean that Ms. Marvel’s CGI superhero vibe takes a backseat.
The mesh of tween and Marvel is a unique blend on the TV screen – making Ms. Marvel a visual streaming series success geared for a younger audience.
The Story
As seen in Marvel Rising, but not to be confused with Captain Marvel, America Chavez, or the upcoming The Marvels movie (set to release in 2023), Ms. Marvel is the all new Marvel Cinematic Universe television series starring newcomer Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan. Joined by Matt Lintz (“The Walking Dead“) as Bruno Carrelli, Yasmeen Fletcher (“Andi Mack“) as Nakia Bahadir and Aramis Knight (“Guardians of the Galaxy 2“) as Kareem, and directed by multiple directors – each taking 2 episodes each (Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah duo, Meera Menon and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy), this ambitious Marvel streaming series certainly has a very diverse voice and point of view already.
In this 6 episode mini series, Marvel explores Ms. Marvel’s origin story combined with a high school coming of age story. Assuming her superhero name after her idol Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel (yes, because we’re not confused enough already), Ms. Marvel is just your average Muslim Pakistani teenage girl growing up in Jersey City.
Appealing to teens and tweens with lots of pop culture references (and Disney, Marvel and Star Wars Easter Eggs), fun GIF inspired animation, and a unique introduction to diverse Pakistani/Muslim culture, families, and traditions, Kamala Khan charms audiences with her awkward, clumsy, hilarious teen to superhero journey. Stretching out the Marvel comfort zone, Ms. Marvel is relatable in The Baby-Sitters Club meets Disney Channel meets Marvel show kind of vibe that makes younger Marvel fans feel included in the action, with a Muslim Pakistani superhero to look up to.
Ms. Marvel PG Rating Explained
Is Ms. Marvel rated PG-13? A first in Marvel history, the all new 6 episode Ms. Marvel television series is the first TV-PG rated show for the MCU. *Insert side eye.* We all know what that means. Hesitant parents.
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 PG ratings are the same. As a parent, it’s been rather heartbreaking to witness how movie ratings have shifted over the years with G-rated movies now a thing of the past. PG ratings now oscillating between Incredibles 2 intense to Christopher Robin calm, there’s a wide range between the age of 0-12 years old to consider. (Most recently, Turning Red had quite the PG rated controversy on social media.)
Why is Ms. Marvel rated PG? In this Ms. Marvel Review | Safe for Kids, the 6 episode Ms. Marvel television series has a TV rating of TV-PG for “violence.” Pretty vague, don’t you think? Should parents trust that the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which normally has an age rating of PG-13 or TV-14 for all movies and shows, is truly sticking to the PG age rating for a more kid friendly Marvel series this time around? Let’s breakdown that TV age rating in this Ms. Marvel parents guide. *Please note, this is for the screening and parent review of Episode 1 and Episode 2 only.
Violence/Suspense. Overall, pretty mild for Marvel. Focusing on high school kids and Kamala’s coming of age story, there’s less focus on the action/violent acts. Episode 1 does feature a gym class injury and a small amount of blood. But this is easily comparable to a Disney Channel show or The Baby-Sitters Club level of blood/gore. Nothing overall violent or suspenseful. But please note there are some strobing/light effects that may be photosensitive for some viewers.
Language. While Ms. Marvel does not disclose any bad language in the TV-PG age rating, I was very disappointed in the overabundant use of swear words and disrespectful phrases. Like MANY references. Swear words for Episode 1 and 2 include one use of the following: “bad@ss,” “sucks,” “crap,” “d@mn” (said in Urdu and in English), “sucky.” However, that’s not all.
I counted well over 10 references to “Oh my g-d,” “G-d knows what,” and “oh my gosh” between the 2 episodes. Over 10 uses of “g-d” in just Episode 1. There are also milder words and insults like “dang,” “weirdo,” “jerk,” “stupid,” “shoot,” and “freak out.” While overall the Ms. Marvel language is mild compared to other Marvel movies and shows, the “Oh my g-d” phrases really struck an uncomfortable cord with me and how often this phrase is repeatedly said throughout the episodes.
Adult Themes. As with any high school coming of age story, we have lots of teen issues and adult themes to talk about. While overall mild on sex and other adult themes, Ms. Marvel does not leave out all of the teenage drama.
Beyond just rebellious teenage girl stuff and talking about periods, tampons and pads (think Turning Red), there’s a reference to “do cocaine,” “joined a death cult,” and talks of “affairs,” as well as attending illegal high school parties, drinking alcohol, driving recklessly, and a locker room scene with girls clad in only towels and sports bras. The most concerning adult themes though have to do with the “imagined” visual stunts in Kamala’s head that “look realistic” enough for teens to attempt. While obvious to me that some of the stunts look dangerous, Ms. Marvel is toe-ing a line of what is considered a Marvel level professional stunt to what teens/tweens will want to try because they saw it in a show.
Episode 3 Review Update. (45 minute runtime) Violence stepped up to Marvel level for this episode with more weapons usage, superhero powers and fight sequences. A few mildly suspenseful moments for little kids. Language includes mild insults like “dumb” and “stupid,” one mention of “oh my g-d” (much more toned down for this episode thankfully) and one “d@mned.” Adult themes very mild for this episode. One punchline comment regarding alcohol. Cultural dancing featured. It’s such a clash of culture, awkward teen, and superhero – but it works. Marvel steps it up a level for episode 3. Storyline dots are connecting. Lots of Marvel Easter Eggs.
Episode 4 Review Update. (45 minute runtime) Violence intensifies for this episode with more fight scenes, weapons usage and multiple implied killings. Language is also intensified with one swear word, “b@stard,” and four “oh g-d” or “oh my g-d” phrases. Adult themes overall very mild. Marvel definitely steps up this episode with more superhero-esque story, cultural influences and fight sequences. Overall, I loved the Pakistani vibes and Iman’s portrayal of Ms. Marvel in this episode. No end credit scene, but new mid credit backgrounds with animated artwork.
Episode 5 Review Update. (38 minute runtime) More backstory revealed in this Ms. Marvel episode. Overall milder violence – with 2 implied killings with weapons. 2 implied killings supernaturally. Adult themes are very mild. Language is also toned down with only one use of “oh my g-d.” Mostly anti-climatic episode. Wrapping up loose ends for finale. No end credit scene again, but new mid credit backgrounds with animated artwork.
Episode 6 Review Update. (48 minute runtime) Holy TV-14 rating warning on the Ms. Marvel season finale. Always a red flag when the episode begins with a warning label of possible scenes that may be “upsetting.” Eek. As far as language, we have one h-e-double-hockey-sticks and two uses of the word “freaking.” One “loser” insult. Violence pretty on par with the season, but as expected, recent current events (Uvalde?) may affect child AND adult response to this episode. Use of hand to hand fighting (fist to face included), guns and super powers. Overall mild adult themes as Ms. Marvel season one comes to a close. Pretty satisfying. Hoping for a season 2. More new mid credits animation, one end credit scene.
Ms. Marvel Age Rating for Kids
At a runtime of 38 minutes to 49 minutes per episode, Ms. Marvel series episode length definitely appeals to kids, tweens and teens. Especially when they have the remote pause button in their hands.
Dialogue heavy and confusing for younger kids, with multiple bad language references and questionable adult themes. However, with lots of appealing visuals, pop culture references, action, and the trademark Marvel storytelling, Ms. Marvel offers a relatable teenage show that fits right in with the diversity and inclusion era of 2022.
A first for Marvel, this TV-PG rated television series is definitely aimed towards a younger audience. While still having enough appeal for adults as well, the Ms. Marvel television series rates somewhere between WandaVision (the PG version, not the TV-14 episode) and Hawkeye (rated TV-14) comparably. Good enough for an older child/family night on the couch – but perhaps a little too much for young wiggle worms. I can totally see this show being an instant hit with my 9-year old daughter. My 13-year old son, however, will probably watch the first couple of episodes and decide it’s “too girly” for him.
Season 1 of Ms. Marvel features 6 episodes.
the 6 episode Ms. Marvel television series has a TV rating of TV-PG for “violence.”
Episode 1 and Episode 6 (the season finale), both have 1 post credits scene each. The artwork/animation for the credits do change every episode.
Based on my Ms. Marvel parents guide and mom review above, this parent movie reviewer would not recommend Ms. Marvel to kids younger than the age of 8-9 years old.
Considering the full TV-PG rating breakdown above, this parent movie reviewer would not recommend Ms. Marvel to kids younger than 8-9 years old.
I still highly recommend parents prescreening the Ms. Marvel series for the appropriateness of the multiple questionable adult themes and language throughout the series – and this only covers for Episodes 1 and 2. With 4 more episodes to go, I’m sure the instances will increase exponentially.
The Overall
Is Ms. Marvel reaching too far for the younger tween audience? Introducing a diverse superhero in a fresh, new Marvel way, I appreciate the Ms. Marvel origin story and the inspiration she gives to the future of Marvel fandom that is rich, diverse and inclusive. Exploring new cultures, new characters, and new storytelling methods, while not watering down the Marvel content, Ms. Marvel is an easily digestible and appealing tween/teen series that is a bright, breath of fresh air after a deeply intense Moon Knight series.
Who knew that Marvel could also bring the teenage drama? But while overall more kid friendly, you’d think the language would be just a tad more toned down. “Oh my g-d” may be a popular teen phrase, but seriously, I expect more from the superheroes my kids look up to.
Don’t think too hard about it. Ms. Marvel isn’t too much of a stretch, even for Marvel. (Not me imagining Kamala and Mei Lin being besties.)
Follow Ms. Marvel on social media:
- Website: https://www.marvel.com/tv-shows/ms-marvel/1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msmarvelofficial
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/msmarvel
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msmarvelofficial/
- #MsMarvel
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The newest Marvel series, Ms. Marvel, is streaming exclusively on Disney+ starting Wednesday June 8, 2022. Will your family be watching this original Marvel show?
I was invited to screen Episodes 1 and 2 in exchange for this Ms. Marvel Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide to the new Marvel Series exclusively streaming on Disney Plus. All photos courtesy of Disney/Marvel. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more movie updates, celebrity interviews, entertainment and behind-the-scenes info!
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