Is it actually educational for someone who wants to be a lawyer?

Not really. While it uses legal terminology and shows some courtroom tactics, it's about 90% soap opera and 10% law. Most of what they do would get a real lawyer disbarred in a heartbeat.

How graphic is the violence?

It's network TV graphic, which means no intestines, but plenty of blood, dead bodies in trunks, and scenes of people being hit over the head with trophies. It's the 'weight' of the violence that's intense.

Does the quality drop off after the first few seasons?

The first two seasons are airtight. After that, the plot gets increasingly 'bonkers' and some viewers find the twists a bit too ridiculous to believe. It stays entertaining, but it loses some of its early sharp edge.

Are there any specific 'skip' episodes for younger viewers?

Not really, because the plot is so serialized. If you skip an episode, you'll be totally lost. It's an all-or-nothing type of show.

How to Get Away with Murder – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

How to Get Away with Murder

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2014

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A high-octane legal thriller where the law is just a tool and the truth is whoever tells the best story.

88%

→

How to Get Away with Murder

show

TV-14, 2014

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A high-octane legal thriller where the law is just a tool and the truth is whoever tells the best story.

88%

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88%

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Screenwise Verdict

If you're looking for a show to watch with your 12-year-old, this isn't it. How to Get Away with Murder is peak Shondaland: messy, sexy, and incredibly dark. It’s a fantastic show for adults who want to see a brilliant woman navigate a world of garbage men and impossible choices, but it’s too heavy on the 'trauma-drama' for a family night.

That said, for a high schooler interested in law or acting, the first couple of seasons are a gripping study in character and consequence. Just be prepared for the fact that every character is at least 40% villain.

Age Fit

This is strictly for older teens (15+) and adults. The themes of murder, infidelity, and ethical bankruptcy require a level of maturity that younger viewers just won't have yet.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The entire premise is built on deception, manipulation, and covering up felonies. It's the antithesis of wholesome, though it's undeniably compelling drama.

Imaginative

The non-linear storytelling and 'flash-forward' structure were genuinely innovative for network TV, keeping the mystery tight and unpredictable.

Safe

Heavy on graphic murder scenes, intense sexual situations, and emotional trauma. It’s a 'safe' show for adults who like thrillers, but definitely not for kids to stumble upon.

Enriching

Viola Davis gives a masterclass in acting. The show tackles complex themes of systemic racism, legal ethics, and the psychological cost of ambition.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Viola Davis delivers one of the most raw, powerhouse performances in TV history as Annalise Keating.
The pacing is relentless, making it a perfect binge-watch for anyone who loves a 'just one more episode' cliffhanger.
It offers a cynical but fascinating look at the American legal system and the lengths people go to for power.
The diverse cast and complex LGBTQ+ representation are handled with more depth than your average network procedural.

⚠

What to Watch For

The sex scenes are frequent and surprisingly explicit for broadcast television (ABC).
Graphic murder visuals—including dismemberment and crime scene cleanup—occur regularly throughout the series.
The emotional manipulation between the students and Annalise can be exhausting to watch; it's a very 'toxic' professional environment.
Alcoholism and pill use are depicted as primary coping mechanisms for several lead characters.

Conversation Starters

"Is there a difference between what is legal and what is right?"
"Why do the students feel so loyal to Annalise, even when she's clearly hurting them?"
"How does the pressure of a high-stakes career like law change a person's moral compass?"
"Which character, if any, do you actually root for when everyone is guilty of something?"

Deep Dive

The Annalise Keating Effect

You don't watch this show for the law students. You watch it for Annalise Keating. Viola Davis took what could have been a standard 'tough professor' trope and turned it into a living, breathing, deeply wounded icon. The scene where she removes her wig and makeup is still one of the most talked-about moments in 2010s television for a reason—it stripped away the artifice of the 'strong Black woman' archetype in a way we hadn't seen before.

A Product of Its Time

Watching this in 2026, the 'mystery of the week' format mixed with the season-long murder plot feels very mid-2010s, but the writing holds up because it's so character-driven. It’s less about the 'how' of the murder and more about the 'why' of the people involved. If your teen is obsessed with true crime or shows like Succession, they'll likely find the power dynamics here fascinating.

The Friction Points

Be aware that the show leans hard into the 'bury your gays' and 'trauma porn' tropes at times. It’s a show that thrives on misery. If you're looking for something that leaves you feeling good about humanity, look elsewhere. But if you want a sharp, cynical, and incredibly well-acted thriller, this is the gold standard of its genre. Just keep the remote handy for the inevitable awkwardness of a sex scene popping up while you're sitting next to your kid.

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