Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

The Last Kingdom is actually really good television—if you're old enough for it. It's historically grounded, thoughtfully explores identity and belonging, and features the kind of political intrigue that makes you want to binge the next episode.

But let's be crystal clear: this is NOT for kids or young teens. It's medieval warfare with all the blood, brutality, and mature content that entails. Think Vikings meets historical documentary, with the emphasis on 'this is how brutal the 9th century actually was.'

For a 16-year-old who loves history or has already watched similar mature content? This could be genuinely enriching—great conversation fodder about culture, identity, and how nations form. For anyone younger? Hard pass. The violence isn't gratuitous, but it's constant and graphic.

The lack of an official content rating in our data is concerning, but based on the genre and historical context, assume TV-MA and proceed accordingly. If your teen is ready for this level of intensity and you're willing to discuss the historical context, it's actually one of the better historical dramas out there.

Age Fit

This is squarely for older teens (16+) and adults who can handle intense medieval violence and mature themes. Younger teens will find it too graphic; older teens interested in history might find it compelling. Not remotely appropriate for anyone under 14.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

42

Historical drama with themes of loyalty, courage, and identity, but set against constant warfare, political intrigue, and brutal medieval combat. While it models some positive values like loyalty and perseverance, the tone is decidedly mature with violence, betrayal, and morally complex characters rather than clear role models. Not emotionally healthy for younger viewers given the constant threat, death, and darker medieval realities.

Imaginative

68

Blends real historical figures (Alfred the Great) with fictional characters to reimagine 9th-century England during Viking invasions. Strong world-building of Saxon and Danish cultures, political maneuvering, and the forging of England as a nation. Invites curiosity about history and different perspectives on conquest and identity, though it's more about consuming a rich narrative than creative expression.

Safe

25

This is decidedly NOT safe for younger viewers. Historical warfare means graphic battle violence, blood, deaths (often of characters viewers care about), and likely medieval-appropriate content including sexual content and brutality. The genres (War & Politics, Action) and the historical setting guarantee unexpected violence and mature themes. No content rating provided, but based on similar historical dramas (Vikings, Game of Thrones-lite), this likely carries TV-MA or TV-14 at minimum. Kids mode being available on platform doesn't make the show itself safe.

Enriching

75

Genuinely enriching for mature teens and adults interested in history. Explores the formation of England, Viking Age culture, religious conflict (Christianity vs. paganism), political strategy, and complex themes of identity and belonging. The protagonist's struggle between Saxon upbringing and Danish loyalty offers meaningful exploration of cultural identity. Strong TMDB rating of 8.2 suggests quality storytelling that resonates. Builds historical knowledge and ethical reasoning about war, loyalty, and nation-building.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely educational about a fascinating period: the Viking Age and formation of England under Alfred the Great
Complex exploration of identity, belonging, and what 'home' means when you're caught between two cultures
Strong character development and political intrigue that rewards patient viewers
High production values and compelling storytelling (8.2 TMDB rating suggests quality)
Models loyalty, courage, and strategic thinking in the face of impossible odds

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What to Watch For

Graphic medieval battle violence—swords, blood, death, the full medieval warfare package
Likely contains sexual content and mature themes appropriate to the historical period
Characters die unexpectedly, including ones you'll care about (it's war, after all)
Dark tone throughout—this isn't a feel-good romp, it's survival in brutal times
Religious conflict and pagan vs. Christian themes that might require context

Conversation Starters

"How do you think Uhtred feels being raised by Danes but born Saxon? Have you ever felt caught between two groups?"
"What do you think makes a good leader? How is Alfred the Great different from other kings in the show?"
"The show explores what it means to belong somewhere. What makes a place feel like home to you?"
"Why do you think people fought so hard over land and religion back then? How is it different or similar today?"

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