The 100
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The 100
The 100 is an American post-apocalyptic science fiction drama series that premiered in 2014 and concluded in 2020, based on Kass Morgan's novel series. The narrative begins with 100 juvenile delinquents sent from a dying space station, the Ark, to a desolate Earth nearly a century after a nuclear apocalypse. Their mission is to determine if the planet is habitable, where they encounter other survivors, including the tribal 'Grounders' and the technologically advanced 'Mountain Men'. The series follows the struggle for survival, moral dilemmas, and political conflicts faced by these diverse groups.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The series features significant LGBTQ representation, primarily through the prominent romantic relationship between main character Clarke Griffin and Grounder Commander Lexa. This relationship becomes a central and impactful storyline within the series, though it also sparked controversy regarding the 'bury your gays' trope.
Clarke Griffin, a lead protagonist, engages in a prominent romantic and intimate relationship with Commander Lexa, a powerful Grounder leader, particularly in seasons 2 and 3. Lexa's death, shortly after a consummated scene with Clarke, caused a significant fan backlash and fueled discussions about the 'bury your gays' trope, highlighting the impact of LGBTQ representation and its challenges in media.
Violence
The 100 is characterized by a high degree of graphic and intense violence, depicting brutal combat, torture, and widespread death. The intensity escalates throughout the seasons as characters face constant threats and engage in warfare.
Scary & Intense Content
The 100 features numerous scary and intense sequences, including graphic depictions of torture, psychological manipulation, and terrifying survival situations. The overall tone is often grim, with constant threats to life and disturbing moral choices.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellion are central themes, as the initial premise revolves around juvenile delinquents sent to Earth. Characters frequently challenge and defy authority figures, leading to significant power struggles, insurrections, and the establishment of new, often ruthless, leadership structures.
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Romance and Sexual Content
The series includes romantic storylines with kissing and making out, as well as implied sexual encounters. Some characters are depicted in suggestive attire.
Profanity
The dialogue in The 100 contains moderate to strong language, including common curse words and occasional misuse of religious terms. The frequency and intensity of profanity are consistent with a TV-14 rating.
Witchcraft & Occult
While the series introduces elements that initially appear supernatural, such as the 'Commander's spirit,' anomalous phenomena, and ultimate transcendence, these are consistently explained within the narrative as advanced science, technology, or evolutionary processes rather than magic or traditional occult practices. However, these concepts may still be perceived as spiritually ambiguous by some viewers.
Substance Use
The series depicts instances of substance use, including both involuntary drugging and casual consumption of alcohol.
Anti-Christian Themes
The show does not explicitly promote anti-Christian themes but operates in a post-apocalyptic world devoid of traditional organized religion. Instead, it explores new, often humanistic or technologically-driven, belief systems and moral philosophies that may challenge conventional religious perspectives.
“The 100” presents a complex ethical landscape where survival often necessitates morally ambiguous decisions, challenging traditional biblical values. Core themes revolve around leadership, sacrifice, redemption, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The show consistently explores the idea that in extreme conditions, characters are forced to make choices with dire consequences, often suggesting that "there are no good guys," only survivors. This utilitarian approach to morality, where the 'greater good' justifies heinous acts, often contradicts a Christian ethic of inherent human dignity and the sanctity of life, which values moral purity regardless of outcome. While characters grapple with guilt and the weight of their choices, a clear system of moral accountability or universal justice is often elusive, with consequences more often stemming from practical survival than divine retribution. The worldview presented in "The 100" leans heavily towards a form of naturalism and existential relativism. The universe is largely depicted as passive, a landscape for human drama, and any concept of "salvation" or meaning is human-centered and self-forgiven, rather than transcendent. The series' ultimate resolution, where humanity transcends into a universal consciousness, presents a non-Christian concept of eternity and purpose. Redemption is a recurring theme, with characters striving to overcome past wrongs and find their humanity, often through acts of sacrifice for their chosen 'people'. However, this redemption is typically self-achieved or granted by other humans, lacking the biblical understanding of grace and forgiveness offered through a divine source. Family relationships are central but often fraught with conflict, difficult choices, and brokenness, reflecting the harsh realities of their existence rather than idealized biblical family structures. Authority figures, whether parents or leaders, frequently make highly questionable decisions, blurring traditional lines of respect and obedience. Faith, particularly organized religion, is generally portrayed negatively or as a 'farce' in the series, often associated with manipulation or false gods (like the Primes or ALIE). While there are numerous biblical allusions in character names and narrative parallels (e.g., "The Ark" resembling Noah's Ark, the 12 clans echoing the 12 apostles), these references are often recontextualized within a secular, human-centric narrative, rather than affirming Christian tenets.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
TV-14. The series is recommended for ages 14 and up due to its consistent depiction of intense violence, mature thematic elements, implied sexual content, and strong language. The show's complex moral dilemmas and grim post-apocalyptic setting are generally more suitable for a teenage and adult audience, as the content escalates in intensity and graphic detail throughout its seasons.
Good to Know
The series develops a unique constructed language called Trigedasleng, spoken by the Grounders, which evolved from English code words to obscure communication from enemies. The narrative frequently delves into complex moral dilemmas and the grey areas of leadership, forcing characters to make difficult choices for survival. The series evolves significantly over its seven seasons, with later installments introducing new planets, alien species, and philosophical concepts, shifting from a pure survival drama to broader science fiction themes.
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