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.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe 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
HighThe 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.
The show frequently features explicit acts of violence, such as people being shot in the head and throats being slit. A particularly disturbing scene involves a character biting and chewing on the flesh of two soldiers, with blood spurting. In Mount Weather, Grounders and members of 'The 100' are subjected to medical torture, including having their bone marrow extracted. Across its seven seasons, the series recorded 4,878 casualties, excluding the initial nuclear apocalypse.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe 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.
Scenes include a man being tortured with his teeth ripped out and legs nearly broken. Psychological horror is present, such as Raven Reyes slitting her own wrists while under the mind control of the AI, A.L.I.E. The concept of forced cannibalism within the bunker during the second apocalypse is a deeply disturbing plot point. The episode 'Demons' in season 3 is noted for its horror movie-like atmosphere.
Disrespect & Rebellion
HighDisrespect 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.
The core group consists of 'juvenile delinquents' from the Ark, inherently rebellious by their very status. Octavia Blake rises to power as 'Blodreina,' a ruthless leader who enforces strict obedience with the mantra 'Obey me, or die,' demonstrating extreme defiance against established norms and brutal leadership. Throughout the series, characters repeatedly engage in acts of mutiny and open defiance against the authority of the Ark council, Grounder commanders, and other ruling factions.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe series includes romantic storylines with kissing and making out, as well as implied sexual encounters. Some characters are depicted in suggestive attire.
Couples are shown engaging in romantic interactions, including kissing and making out. There are instances of implied sexual activity, such as a couple lying under sheets after having sex. Some female characters wear cleavage-baring tops.
Profanity
MediumThe 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.
The show includes frequent use of expletives such as 'h—,' 'b—ch,' 'd—n,' 'd—mit,' 'p—ssed,' and 'crap.' God's name is misused on at least two occasions. A unique, milder expletive, 'float,' is used as a stand-in for the f-word in the series.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumWhile 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.
The 'spirit of the Commander,' which grants wisdom and leadership, is revealed to be an Artificial Intelligence (AI) known as 'the Flame,' containing the minds of past commanders. The 'Anomaly' and associated world portals are presented as advanced wormhole technology, not magic. In the final season, humanity undergoes 'transcendence' into 'glowing hallelujah beings,' framed as an evolutionary step, which some religious viewers might interpret as leaning into fantasy or spiritual concepts.
Substance Use
MediumThe series depicts instances of substance use, including both involuntary drugging and casual consumption of alcohol.
The Mountain Men utilize 'Reapers,' a group of humans who are intentionally drugged to be aggressive and subservient 'human guard dogs.' Characters are also occasionally shown consuming alcohol casually within social or recreational contexts.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumThe 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 'City of Light' storyline features a digital afterlife promised to followers, presenting a techno-spiritual salvation that bypasses traditional religious concepts of heaven. The Grounder society develops its own forms of spiritual reverence, such as a woman praying to 'the spirit of the commander,' which is later revealed to be an AI, providing a scientific explanation for what appears to be a religious practice. The series finale's 'transcendence' concept, where humanity evolves into light beings after a 'test,' is presented as a scientific culmination, potentially conflicting with traditional Christian eschatology for some viewers.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
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.
Additional Notes
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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