You Should Not Let Your Kids Watch These Cartoons

Many animated shows aren’t made for children and often deal with adult topics. These series frequently receive a TV-MA rating due to strong language, violence, sexual content, and difficult themes that could be disturbing for younger audiences. Some even feature drug use, dark comedy, or stories about crime and traumatic experiences. Here’s a look at popular cartoons designed for adults, and best watched when children aren’t around.

‘Rick and Morty’ (2013-)

This sci-fi comedy is definitely for adults, with plenty of graphic violence and often offensive humor. It tackles dark and disturbing themes like body horror, trauma, and difficult family relationships, and includes strong language. Because of its mature content and exploration of complex, even depressing ideas, it’s rated for mature audiences and shown late at night. Younger viewers might find it confusing or upsetting.

‘South Park’ (1997-)

Okay, let me tell you about this show. It’s been around for a while, and it definitely isn’t for everyone. It’s famously edgy – think lots of strong language and jokes that really push boundaries when it comes to politics, religion, and, well, pretty much everything. It doesn’t shy away from graphic content either, and it expects you to get the references – it’s very culturally aware. They’re upfront about it, posting warnings for mature themes and controversial topics. Honestly, it’s no surprise it airs late at night and carries a very clear adults-only label. It’s not trying to appeal to a broad audience, and that’s part of its appeal, I guess.

‘Family Guy’ (1999-)

This cartoon is made for adults and often uses quick, unrelated jokes and suggestive humor. It’s not suitable for kids because it includes over-the-top violence, offensive jokes, and potentially harmful stereotypes. The show also makes a lot of references to movies and events that are intended for mature audiences and often has age restrictions when streamed or viewed. It requires viewers to be able to think critically about what they are watching.

‘Invincible’ (2021-)

This animated superhero show features intense and graphic violence, including bloody fight scenes. Storylines deal with mature themes like manipulation, infidelity, and the complex consequences of adult relationships. Many episodes show large-scale disasters and characters in serious danger. It’s rated for mature audiences only (TV-MA) and is available on services that allow parents to set viewing restrictions.

‘Arcane’ (2021-2024)

This fantasy series tackles difficult themes like social inequality, crime, and addiction, showing their harsh realities. It features scenes of intense violence and deeply upsetting family issues. The story is complex, with morally grey characters and political maneuvering, and is intended for mature audiences. Streaming platforms provide age recommendations to help viewers decide if it’s appropriate for them.

‘BoJack Horseman’ (2014–2020)

This series takes a close look at difficult issues like depression, addiction, and harmful behaviors. It includes mature content with strong language, sexual situations, and the portrayal of drug and alcohol use. The show deals with sensitive and potentially upsetting topics, such as miscarriage, exploitation, and public disgrace, and is intended for adult viewers with content warnings provided.

‘Big Mouth’ (2017-2025)

This comedy frankly explores the changes of puberty and sexual development, using mature language and humor. It tackles topics like anatomy, consent, and other adult themes, making it unsuitable for children. The show’s content is similar to what older teens and adults might discuss in health class, and it consistently receives a TV-MA rating.

‘Love, Death & Robots’ (2019-)

This animated series is a collection of standalone episodes, and it’s definitely not for everyone. It features intense content like violence, nudity, and scary scenes, and often uses shocking and unsettling visuals. The stories range from serious science fiction to darkly humorous satire, and many have unexpected, disturbing endings. It’s intended for mature audiences and each episode includes warnings about its content.

‘Harley Quinn’ (2019-)

This show is a very adult-oriented superhero comedy with lots of swearing, over-the-top violence, and sexual content. It follows characters involved in crime and seeking revenge, and doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal consequences. It’s definitely aimed at grown-up fans of comic books, not kids, and carries a TV-MA rating with clear warnings about its mature content.

‘Primal’ (2019-)

This animated series follows characters struggling to survive in a brutal prehistoric setting. It features graphic violence, including animal attacks and bloodshed, and explores difficult topics like grief and revenge. Realistic sound and visuals make the frightening scenes even more intense. Because of its mature content, it airs during adult animation time slots and is intended for mature viewers.

‘Castlevania’ (2017–2021)

This dark fantasy series, based on a video game, features intense violence and deals with supernatural themes. It includes graphic content like bloodshed, torture, and mature sexual situations, making it inappropriate for children. The story focuses on conflicts for control, dishonesty, and characters making difficult choices. It’s rated TV-MA and requires age verification to watch on most streaming services.

‘The Boys Presents: Diabolical’ (2022)

This collection of shorts is part of a larger series known for its intense violence and mature, often sarcastic, humor. Expect to see realistic injuries, strong language, and jokes that are best understood by fans of the original show. Some shorts contain explicit sexual situations and references to drug use. It’s rated TV-MA and includes features to help parents manage what their children can watch.

‘Happy Tree Friends’ (1999-)

Despite looking harmless, this show relies on shocking violence and gore for laughs. It frequently shows over-the-top dismemberment and deadly accidents. This jarring mix of cute visuals and disturbing content could be upsetting or confusing for children, so adult supervision is recommended. While the animation style seems geared towards a younger audience, the show is actually intended for adults.

‘Superjail!’ (2008-2014)

This series takes place in a bizarre prison and combines mind-bending visuals with intense violence. Each episode quickly descends into widespread mayhem with shockingly graphic results. It’s definitely not for children, featuring strong language and disturbing content, and is shown late at night with a mature audience rating.

‘Mr. Pickles’ (2014-2018)

As a film buff, I’d describe this show as a really dark and twisted comedy. It definitely isn’t for everyone – it pushes boundaries with its shocking humor, dealing with occult stuff and pretty graphic violence. We’re talking gore, really unsettling situations, and adult themes that go way beyond what you’d normally see on regular TV. A lot of the story revolves around crime and seriously disturbing actions. It’s rated TV-MA and you’ll usually find it airing as part of the adult animation blocks, so be warned!

‘F Is for Family’ (2015–2021)

This comedy series follows a loud and often foul-mouthed family as they navigate complicated issues like cheating, substance abuse, and problems at work. It deals with mature themes and situations best understood by adult viewers, and is therefore rated TV-MA on streaming platforms.

‘The Midnight Gospel’ (2020)

This unique show blends thoughtful conversations about life’s big questions with striking, animated visuals. Some of these visuals can be unsettling or graphic, exploring difficult themes like death and deep-seated fears. The show features lengthy discussions about mature subjects, including drug use and past trauma, and is designed for adult viewers with appropriate content warnings.

‘Smiling Friends’ (2020)

This bizarrely funny show uses dark humor, sometimes shocking imagery, and intentionally creepy characters. It features strong language and jokes about the stresses of adult life and things you see online. Expect quick changes in mood and moments that are deliberately unsettling. It’s designed for late-night viewing and includes warnings for mature themes.

‘Hazbin Hotel’ (2024)

This darkly comedic musical takes place in Hell and isn’t afraid to push boundaries with its depiction of demons, violence, and suggestive humor. Expect strong language and mature themes exploring both bad behavior and the possibility of change. The animation style is unique, but the show is definitely geared towards adults and carries a TV-MA rating.

‘Aqua Teen Hunger Force’ (2000–2015)

This animated series centers around three talking fast food items who find themselves in strange and often violent scenarios. It’s known for its edgy humor, strong language, and over-the-top gore. The show explores mature themes like crime and the occult, without offering any lessons for younger viewers, and originally aired late at night with a TV-MA rating.

‘Robot Chicken’ (2005– )

This animated sketch comedy show makes fun of popular culture with very adult humor, including crude jokes and over-the-top violence. Expect to see disturbing and graphic content like dismemberment, sexual situations, and jokes about drugs, all presented quickly and without much explanation. It’s intended for mature audiences only and has a TV-MA rating with age restrictions when streamed.

‘The Venture Bros.’ (2004–2018)

This show is a funny, action-packed satire that mixes old-school adventure with mature themes like violence and dark humor. It tells long, complex stories that deal with difficult subjects like trauma, failed relationships, and the challenges of adulthood. Expect strong language, some sexual content, and occasional graphic violence – it’s generally rated for mature audiences.

‘Metalocalypse’ (2006–2013)

This show follows a death metal band and features a lot of on-screen violence connected to their concerts and chaotic lives. Expect storylines involving cults, conspiracies, and intensely violent scenes. The humor is dark, often dealing with cynical and adult themes, and the show is definitely intended for mature viewers.

‘Drawn Together’ (2004–2007)

This show is a cartoon parody of reality TV known for its over-the-top, adult humor. It frequently uses nudity, strong language, and jokes that make fun of sensitive subjects, often involving violence and sexual situations. Because of its mature content, it’s consistently rated TV-MA.

‘Paradise PD’ (2018–2024)

Okay, let me tell you, this show isn’t for everyone. It’s a comedy about cops, but it’s way over the top. We’re talking buckets of gore, seriously crude humor, and language that’ll make you blush. The plots deal with really dark stuff – corruption, drugs, and visual jokes that are just… shocking. Honestly, the characters behave terribly, and there’s absolutely no attempt to offer any kind of moral lesson, especially for younger viewers. They do put up warnings at the beginning of each episode, and believe me, you’ll understand why. This is definitely a mature show – think very, very mature.

‘Brickleberry’ (2012–2015)

This show, set in a hilariously mismanaged national park, is definitely not for everyone. It’s geared towards adults with its crude jokes, offensive humor, strong language, and over-the-top violence. Expect storylines filled with foolishness, bad behavior, and plenty of shocking moments. It carries a TV-MA rating, so parental controls are recommended.

‘Moral Orel’ (2005–2008)

This animated series uses dark humor to tackle serious issues like faith, troubled families, and abuse. It honestly portrays difficult topics—including alcoholism, cheating, and past trauma—and is designed to make viewers think. The show can quickly move from funny moments to very dark and upsetting themes, and it includes warnings for mature content.

‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ (1993–1997)

The show follows two mischievous teenagers who constantly get into trouble, causing damage and engaging in dangerous, often inappropriate, behavior. It features strong language, suggestive themes, and risky stunts. Due to concerns about viewers imitating the stunts, the show originally aired with warnings and is now rated for mature audiences.

‘Ren & Stimpy “Adult Party Cartoon”‘ (2003)

This show relies heavily on shocking and over-the-top humor, featuring nudity and graphic violence. Storylines frequently involve cruelty and unsettling situations. Several episodes sparked controversy due to sexual content and the comedic portrayal of abusive behavior. It’s clearly aimed at mature audiences and carries a TV-MA rating.

‘Ugly Americans’ (2010–2012)

Okay, so this show isn’t for the faint of heart. I went in expecting some thrills, but wow, it really dives deep into some disturbing stuff. We’re talking body horror, lots of gore, and a fascination with the occult. The stories explore things like people changing into monsters, demonic possession, and honestly, a pretty crude sense of humor. It’s set in a city overrun with creatures, and the main location is a workplace where things get… complicated, with plenty of adult relationships and a lot of swearing. It definitely earned its mature audience warning – consider yourself warned!

‘The Maxx’ (1995)

This show blends superhero action with stories about overcoming psychological trauma and the aftermath of assault. It portrays difficult themes like violence, stalking, and mental health struggles through visually striking scenes. Because it deals with complex issues like dissociation and abuse, it’s best suited for mature audiences and included warnings before late-night airings.

‘Spawn’ (1997–1999)

This superhero show is very dark and contains intense violence, including torture, and depicts criminal organizations. It explores heavy themes like hell, being condemned, and the decline of morality. Due to frequent bloodshed and strong language, it’s intended for mature audiences and originally aired with warnings about its content.

‘Devilman Crybaby’ (2018)

This anime is extremely graphic and intended for mature audiences only. It features intense violence, nudity, and sexual assault, all set against the backdrop of a world-ending disaster. Throughout the series, you’ll see depictions of drug use, widespread panic, and disturbing physical changes. It carries a TV-MA rating with strong warnings due to its disturbing content.

‘Berserk’ (1997)

This show centers on hired soldiers in a dark, medieval world plagued by demons and brutal violence. It features graphic content, including torture, attacks, and disturbing battles, and delves into mature themes like trauma, betrayal, and self-sacrifice. It carries strong age restrictions and includes warnings about its content.

‘Elfen Lied’ (2004)

This anime starts with a violent scene and features ongoing depictions of graphic injuries. It explores difficult themes like harmful experimentation, abuse, and the lasting effects of trauma. It also includes nudity and strong language, and is clearly marked as containing mature content.

‘Hellsing Ultimate’ (2006–2012)

This vampire series is full of intense action, graphic violence, and frightening supernatural events. The stories deal with disturbing themes like extremist groups, war crimes, and gruesome body horror. It’s very intense and likely too disturbing for younger audiences, so it’s intended for adults and includes warnings about its content.

‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (2022)

This show takes place in a dark, futuristic city and features intense violence, including shootings, and disturbing imagery involving body modification. It also portrays mature themes like drug use, exploitation, and the emotional fallout of loss, alongside gang violence. Expect strong language and nudity throughout, and it’s clearly marked as being for mature audiences only.

‘Chainsaw Man’ (2022– )

This anime is a dark and violent mix of horror and action, featuring graphic gore and unsettling monsters. It contains intense scenes of injury, psychological distress, and forceful interactions. The story explores difficult adult topics such as exploitation and loss, and is intended for mature audiences with content warnings provided before each episode.

‘Parasyte -the maxim-‘ (2014–2015)

This horror series features gruesome body transformations as aliens invade human hosts. Expect intense violence, disturbing ethical questions, and a constant sense of dread. The show is particularly unsettling because it takes place in familiar school environments, but features mature and frightening content intended for adult viewers only. It’s available on home video and streaming platforms.

Share the shows you think parents should keep off the kids’ watchlists in the comments.

2025-11-05 17:19