Arrow
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Arrow
Arrow is a long-running CW superhero drama that reimagines the DC Comics character Green Arrow. The series follows billionaire playboy Oliver Queen, who returns to Starling City after being presumed dead for five years on a remote island. He secretly becomes a vigilante, using his archery skills and combat training to fight crime and corruption, targeting wealthy criminals and protecting the innocent. Throughout its eight seasons, the show delves into Oliver's complex past through extensive flashbacks, exploring his transformation into a hero. The series features intense action sequences, intricate plotlines involving various antagonists, and a developing network of allies. While rooted in superheroics, it often addresses mature themes of justice, morality, family, and personal sacrifice. The show is generally rated TV-14 due to its frequent depictions of violence, mature thematic elements, and occasional suggestive content, making it generally suitable for teenagers and older audiences.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The series and the broader Arrowverse feature multiple canonical LGBTQ+ characters, with explicit mentions of their sexual orientation and depicted same-sex relationships. The representation evolves, becoming more direct in later seasons and including both gay and bisexual characters. While explicit sexual acts are not typically shown graphically, romantic relationships between same-sex partners are clearly established and form part of character arcs.
Sara Lance is established as a bisexual character early in the series, engaging in a significant romantic relationship with Nyssa al Ghul, a member of the League of Assassins. Their relationship, often referred to as 'Nyssa/Sara' or 'Nyssara,' is central to Sara's character development and is depicted with affection and intimacy. Later in the series, Oliver Queen's son, William Clayton, explicitly confirms his homosexuality. In Season 7, during a flash-forward, William mentions having an 'ex-boyfriend' and later states unequivocally, 'I'm gay, and she's my mom,' when asked if he and Felicity dated, solidifying his identity.
Violence
Arrow contains frequent and intense violence throughout its run, including graphic fight scenes, use of various weapons (bows, guns, knives), and explicit depictions of death and torture. The Parents Television Council reported a high number of violent acts, deaths, and gun violence instances. The intensity and graphic nature of the violence remain a consistent concern, especially in scenes depicting hand-to-hand combat and the aftermath of conflicts.
Scary & Intense Content
Beyond the physical violence, 'Arrow' contains intense and frightening content, particularly in its depiction of psychological torment, life-threatening situations, and disturbing imagery from Oliver's time on the island and encounters with mentally unstable villains. The show uses suspense, jump scares, and grim scenarios to create a sense of peril and dread, which can be unsettling.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Given the consistent TV-14 rating in the United States, along with descriptors for intense violence, suggestive dialogue, and sexual situations, a Christian parent's guide would recommend 'Arrow' for ages 15+. This allows for greater maturity in processing complex moral dilemmas, graphic violence, and mature relationship themes, which intensify in later seasons. Parental guidance is strongly advised due to the frequency and intensity of mature content.
Good to Know
Parents should be aware that 'Arrow' progressively darkens in tone and content intensity across its seasons. The show's exploration of vigilantism often involves morally ambiguous choices, blurring the lines between hero and anti-hero. Flashback sequences can be particularly graphic and emotionally taxing, detailing torture and survival. The presence of LGBTQ+ relationships is consistent and normalized within the narrative. Due to the cumulative effect of graphic violence, mature themes, and suggestive content, consistent parental supervision and discussion are recommended for younger viewers, even those within the TV-14 age bracket.
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