National Treasure: Edge of History Review | Safe for Kids?

Is National Treasure: Edge of History safe for kids? Is National Treasure TV series OK for children? Read the National Treasure: Edge of History Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parents guide and mom review of the all-new 10-episode National Treasure television show starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Lisette Olivera. No spoilers! #NationalTreasureSeries May contain commissioned links.

National Treasure: Edge of History Review | Safe for Kids?

From 2004 PG-rated film to 2022 TV-14 rated series, National Treasure isn’t the only Disney live action franchise looking for the “x” that marks the spot in family entertainment. But does a beloved family National Treasure expansion translate into a modern day streaming show?

Or is that TV-14 rating a big red flag for parents of little kids who love Disney’s National Treasure movies?

In This National Treasure: Edge of History Review | Safe for Kids?, I’m breaking down the visuals, the story, a full TV-14 age rating explanation for violence, adult themes and language, and what kids’ age recommendation is suggested to watch in this new 2022 National Treasure TV series parents guide to the new Jerry Bruckheimer inspired TV show on Disney+. A no-spoiler parent review of National Treasure: Edge of History, is this another cheap Disney+ knockoff of the original, or is this new series worth the treasure hunt?

The Visuals

It’s hard to believe that the first National Treasure movie came out in 2004. A milder DaVinci Code action/adventure movie rooted in making American history exciting for families, the entertainment world has come a long way in creating appealing historical content for kids.

National Treasure: Edge of History so far feels like the calmer cousin to the movie franchise. Slower pacing, camera work, and action sequences while increasing the visually appealing CGI technology, this historical series has a television smoothness with modern day sitcom undertones.

Photosensitivity Warning. Be prepared for scenes in darkness, enhanced CGI and bright lighting effects. No strobing, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see more photosensitive visuals in future episodes to increase the historical backstory appeal.

The Story

Based on popular National Treasure movie franchise from executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer (“Top Gun: Maverick“), National Treasure: Edge of History is a 10-episode live action television series exclusively streaming on Disney+ starring an all-new cast including Lisette Olivera (“We Need to Do Something“) as Jess, Catherine Zeta-Jones (“Chicago“) as Billie, Jake Austin Walker (“Stargirl“) as Liam, Jordan Rodrigues (“The Fosters“) as Ethan, Zuri Reed (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit“) as Tasha, Antonio Cipriano (“The Sex Lives of College Girls“) as Oren and Lyndon Smith (“Parenthood“) as Agent Ross.

Can anyone say genre change? National Treasure is looking to appeal to a whole new audience with their latest expansion plan. Featuring a young adult cast, slower story, and more drama while still incorporating some American history and escape room-like puzzle solving, National Treasure: Edge of History is more like a One Tree Hill series for teens than a historical action-packed treasure hunt for young kids and families.

Throw in some complicated relationships, TikTok music, “woke” agendas (though I do appreciate the diversity and inclusion), loose tie-ins to the movies, and a few cameos, this modern day National Treasure series is only a faint reminder of the 18-year old franchise. A slower build, for sure.

National Treasure: Edge of History TV-14 Rating Explained

Is National Treasure: Edge of History series safe for kids? Another Disney+ series that’s rated TV-14? 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 (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery 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 National Treasure: Edge of History rated TV-14? In this National Treasure: Edge of History Review | Safe for Kids?, this 10-episode National Treasure show is rated TV-14 for “violence, action, peril, sexual material and some language.” With film and TV ratings also unpredictable these days, having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or television show like National Treasure: Edge of History is kid friendly. Is National Treasure: Edge of History too scary for kids? Let’s breakdown that TV-14 age rating in this National Treasure: Edge of History parents guide.

*Please note that this National Treasure: Edge of History TV series review and TV-14 age rating breakdown are for episodes 1 and 2 only.

Violence/Suspense. Overall violence and suspense feel very on par with the National Treasure movies so far. Peril and suspense is almost nonexistent. Mayhem, arson and law breaking to include breaking and entering, trespassing, arson, aggravated kidnapping, hand-to-hand fighting (very mild when it comes to injuries, blood and gore) and fighting with weapons such as guns, knives and blunt objects. I highly anticipate more peril and suspenseful scenes in upcoming episodes as the plot builds.

Adult Themes. Grief and loss is an overarching theme in the first 2 episodes. Also the characters discuss struggles with mental health including dementia, paranoia and delusion. Heavy use of social media is present, discussion on “gender stereotyping,” “misogynistic attitudes,” and “binary person identification” and immigration legality discussion also present in episode 2.

With National Treasure: Edge of History being geared for more of the “young adult and teen” crowd, expect romance drama and a huge increased amount of sexual material than in the original films. Multiple instances referring to someone as “hot,” mild flirtation, relationship tension, jealousy. The characters visit bars. I highly suspect that romantic relationships and physical contact to be made between characters in upcoming episodes. I also predict an increase in seeing more bars and drinking/consumption of alcohol.

Language. For National Treasure: Edge of History, the language may seem “tame” for the first 2 episodes. But hang with me. There are some choice swear words parents will need to know about moving forward (episode reviews coming soon). “Sucks” is about as bad as it gets for the first 2 episodes. But again, I cannot emphasize enough that parents will want to keep a close watch on episodes 3-10 for some language as the series goes on.

While there are no major bad words to be heard in episode 1 or episode 2, milder insults and other possible offensive phrases include: “freaking out,” “oh my g-d” said in multiple instances in every episode, “screws you,” “holy…,” “pain in the butt,” and “idiot.” Again, I understand that for episodes 1 and 2 of National Treasure, the language feels like a PG-rated show. But stay tuned.

Episode 3 Update. Watch out because this episode turns up the volume in violence/suspense, adult themes and language as more of the TV-14 rating comes to light. Peril in this episode with inferred death. Adult themes include a light kiss between a couple, and multiple scenes with alcohol in hand (one at a bar) – though no one is actually drinking. Foul language includes “d@mmit,” 2 “h-e-double-hockey-sticks” references (in English and Spanish), and 2 “oh my g-d” phrases.

Episode 4 Update. Mild peril in this episode with hand to hand fighting, use of weapons. However, biggest concern is the increased TV-14 adult themes introduced in this episode. Multiple kisses between young adults, a scene of two young adults questionably dressed – with implied sexual relations, and one description of a “kinky kiss.” Alcohol in hand but nothing consumed. Mild language – only a few “oh my g-d” references. Most TV-14 rated episode to date.

Episode 5 Update. Mild peril, theft in this episode. Scenes with people holding alcohol, but not consuming. One scene of a shirtless guy. One deep kiss. Sensual dancing/flirting. Foul language including “h-e-double-hockey-sticks,” “@ss,” and “oh my g-d.”

Episode 6 Update. This episode is rated TV-PG. Mild peril/suspense. Moderate violence including punching, mild blood and hospitalization. Talks of killing and murder. Alcohol served but not consumed. One scene of kiss on cheek, implied innuendo of a “sleepover” between consenting young adults (similar to episode 4). Language includes 1 “@ss,” 1 phrase of “sneaky B” (word not fully stated), 1 “g-d” and 1 “idiot.”

Episode 7 Update. Of all of the episodes, this is the most mild of the bunch. Rated TV-PG for the episode, we have very mild peril. Talks of murder/killing. And possible triggering events dealing with strained family relations, death and prison. And one kiss on the cheek. No language to report. With only 3 more episodes to wrap up this season, I don’t foresee National Treasure: Edge of History being renewed for a season 2.

Episode 8 Update. The TV-14 rating is back, being the most violent episode to date. Multiple gun shots including visible blood pools present. Physical violence includes choking. Also needle injection used. Adult themes include drinking beer, and one mild, friendly hug. One swear word “h-e-double-hockey-sticks.”

Episode 9 Update. TV-14 rating holding strong on this second to last episode. And the violence escalates in this episode, with multiple injuries, weapon attacks and blood pools. The visuals have a mild to moderate amount of gore and suspense that may be tough for young viewers. There’s also a scene of young adults consuming shots of alcohol in a bar.

Finale Episode 10 Update. No surprise seeing the season finale finish with a strong TV-14 rating. Violence is next level in this episode – probably the most violent of the season Multiple gun shots, kill shots, blood, open wounds and suspense. Adult themes include 2 kisses and hand holding. Language is back for this last episode. Swear words include 2 uses of “bad @ss,” 1 “d@mn” and 4 “oh my g-d” phrases. Easy setup for season 2. Sadly, I would have overall loved this new series – had it not come attached with the National Treasure franchise. But with high expectations and low delivery, I’m not thrilled.

National Treasure: Edge of History Age Rating for Kids

I anticipate that this National Treasure: Edge of History TV-14 rating is going to be pretty spot when considering the increased amount of adult content, especially sexual material between young adults. I would caution parents to preview this series (especially episode 3 and beyond) for sexual content/adult themes and language.

The Overall

Not the entertainment treasure I was hunting for. It’s like National Treasure: Edge of History can’t make up it’s mind. Not quite the wholesome American history treasure hunt of 2004 and not quite 2022 teen show, this genre change ends up being a muddled confusing cousin of what was an amazing movie franchise.

I’m sad to see National Treasure move away from their core audience, families and young kids with a hunger for history and learning. Replacing good storytelling, fast-paced action and history-inspired adventure for “teen drama” doesn’t quite do it for me. But I haven’t given up hope just yet. I’m clinging to a spark of appeal with Sherlock puzzle-solving main character vibes and a prayer that the real National Treasure unveiling is yet to come.

With 8-episodes to go, I can only cross my fingers and hope that this 10-episode series doesn’t end up cheapening our family movie memories. (Willow series ringing any bells?) The National Treasure franchise has given my kids a real treasure hunt for a love of American history through storytelling, puzzles and action-packed adventure. Here’s hoping that “X” marks television series treasure and not more Disney movie cancelling.

Follow National Treasure: Edge of History on social media:

• Website: https://ondisneyplus.disney.com/show/national-treasure-edge-of-history
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyPlus/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyplus
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneyplus/
• #NationalTreasureSeries, #DisneyPlus

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National Treasure: Edge of History, the all-new 10-episode season 1 TV show with a 2 episode television series premiere is streaming exclusively on Disney+ starting Wednesday, December 14, 2022, with new episodes every Wednesday through February 8, 2023. Will your family be watching?

I was invited to screen the episodes 1-4 of the new 2022 National Treasure: Edge of History television series in exchange for this National Treasure: Edge of History 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!