The Prime Video legal drama Goliath, starring Billy Bob Thornton, is a show made strictly for adults. If you are a parent wondering if this series is okay for your teenager or child, the clear answer is no. The show carries a TV-MA rating for very strong reasons, covering intense mature themes across all four of its seasons.
This guide breaks down the specific content in Goliath that makes it unsuitable for younger viewers. We look at the frequent strong language, graphic scenes of sex and nudity, depictions of violence, and the constant presence of drugs and alcohol that define the show’s gritty world.
Why Goliath Has a TV-MA Rating
The TV-MA rating means the program is specifically designed for mature audiences and may be unsuitable for children under 17. Goliath earns this rating in every category. Review organizations note the series contains “lots of sexuality,” “endless cursing,” and various kinds of drug use.
The show does not shy away from dark and complex adult themes. The storyline explores addiction, revenge, and prostitution alongside its legal battles. The main character, Billy McBride, is a deeply flawed antihero—a skilled lawyer who is also struggling with alcoholism. This complexity requires a mature perspective to understand, which children and younger teens simply do not have.
Detailed Look at Violence and Gore
While not an action series, Goliath includes violent moments that are sudden and graphic. Parental guides report scenes involving a fatal hit-and-run, beatings, and a teenager being tasered. The violence is often bloody, with Season 2 noted for having a few particularly gruesome scenes.
One specific episode example highlights the severity. In the Season 2 episode “Tongue Tied,” parental guides classify the Violence & Gore and Frightening & Intense Scenes as “Severe”. This level of intense content can be disturbing and is not appropriate for young viewers.
Frequent Strong Language and Profanity
The use of strong, offensive language is constant throughout the series. Common Sense Media states the show has “very frequent” use of the “F” word, along with other profanities like “s–t” and “goddamn”. User-submitted content guides on platforms like IMDb agree, labeling the profanity in the series as “Severe”.
This consistent use of harsh language is a major factor for parents to consider. Children are highly impressionable, and exposure to this level of profanity can normalize it in their own vocabulary.
Graphic Sex, Romance, and Nudity
Sexual content is a significant element of Goliath. The series includes simulated sex scenes and visible full frontal nudity, both male and female. Specific examples from content guides mention a sex scene with heavy thrusting and moaning, a woman’s breast being visibly exposed, and multiple instances of male nudity in settings like a locker room.
The show also deals with adult concepts like prostitution. These explicit visual and thematic elements are intended for a mature audience only and are not suitable for children or teenagers.
Depictions of Drinking, Drugs, and Smoking
Substance use is woven into the fabric of the show and the lives of its characters. Billy McBride’s struggle with alcoholism is a central part of his character. Scenes frequently show drinking, including champagne and hard liquor.
Beyond alcohol, characters are shown smoking cigarettes, using marijuana, and taking cocaine. This casual and recurring depiction of drug use without clear negative consequences can be problematic for young, impressionable viewers.
Understanding the Show’s Complex Themes
Goliath is more than just its graphic content; it is a show built on morally complex ideas. It explores concepts like justice, loyalty, and redemption, but often presents them in ambiguous ways without clear answers. The characters, including the protagonist, are frequently unethical and are not designed to be positive role models.
Billy McBride is flawed: He’s an addict, a dad, a good lawyer, but maybe not a good person.
Understanding this moral gray area requires a level of emotional and intellectual maturity that younger viewers are still developing. The show is designed for adults who can process these complicated narratives.
Also Read:
What Parents Can Do and Safer Alternatives
If your teen asks to watch Goliath, the consistent advice from parental guides is to say no. The TV-MA rating is a clear and accurate warning. A better alternative is to look for legal dramas or crime series with more age-appropriate ratings, like TV-14 or TV-PG.
You can use the detailed content breakdowns on sites like Common Sense Media and IMDb’s Parents Guide to research any show before your family watches it. These resources provide specific examples of content, helping you make informed decisions.
The gritty, realistic world of Goliath is compelling television for adults, but its mature content makes it a poor choice for family viewing. By understanding the specifics of its violence, language, sexual content, and substance use, parents can confidently keep this series off-limits for kids and seek out more suitable entertainment options.
Also Read: Donnie McClurkin Lawsuit: Accusations of Abuse During “Pray the Gay Away” Sessions
