The Crown
The Crown is a highly acclaimed historical drama series that chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940s to the early 21st century. The series delves into the political rivalries, romances, and significant global events that shaped the latter half of the 20th century, exploring the personal lives and public duties of the British Royal Family. It offers a fictionalized yet often fact-inspired look into the challenges and complexities faced by the monarch and her family. The show is known for its lavish production, detailed historical settings, and compelling performances, attracting a mature audience interested in modern British history and the inner workings of the monarchy.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe series includes prominent LGBTQ+ representation through the character of Antony Armstrong-Jones (Lord Snowdon), who is depicted as bisexual. His relationships and sexual orientation are explicitly explored, including a bisexual affair. The show portrays discussions about his lifestyle within the royal family, adding to the complexity of the characters and the historical period.
In Season 2, Antony Armstrong-Jones, Princess Margaret's future husband, is portrayed as bisexual. The series depicts him engaging in sexual acts with a female dancer with nudity, and later being in bed with a topless woman and her husband, implying a threesome. Princess Margaret initially believes Tony is gay, and his bisexual affairs, including one with Jeremy Fry and his wife, Camilla, are depicted and discussed by Margaret and Queen Elizabeth II.
Romance and Sexual Content
HighThe series features significant romantic and sexual content, including explicit sexual encounters, nudity, and themes of infidelity. This content intensifies in certain seasons, particularly in Season 2 with Princess Margaret's storyline, and continues throughout the series with various characters' extramarital affairs.
Season 2, Episode 7 ('Matrimonium'), features Antony Armstrong-Jones having explicit sex with a dancer in his studio with nudity. Immediately after, he is shown in bed with a topless woman and her husband, implying a threesome. Earlier in the series, the pilot episode includes a brief, non-sexual naked butt shot of Prince Philip. Season 2 also contains Prince Philip telling Queen Elizabeth to 'get on your knees,' a strong sexual innuendo, and Elizabeth appearing naked under the sheets in bed. Infidelity, such as Prince Charles' affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, is a recurring and central theme across multiple seasons.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe show contains intense thematic elements and disturbing scenes related to mental health struggles, eating disorders, and the emotional aftermath of tragic events. While not horror-genre scary, these elements can be psychologically intense and upsetting.
Season 4 includes storylines depicting Princess Diana's struggles with an eating disorder, with warnings provided before episodes that address this theme. The lead-up to and aftermath of Princess Diana's death in Season 6 focuses heavily on the emotional distress caused by constant paparazzi attention, straining her mental health, and the global grief and royal family's stoic response, which can be deeply unsettling. The death of King George VI in Season 1, including scenes of him coughing up blood and the implied severity of his illness, can be intense.
Disrespect & Rebellion
HighDisrespect and rebellion are prevalent themes in 'The Crown,' often manifesting as familial disagreements, challenges to traditional royal protocols, and individuals pushing against the constraints of their positions. These acts of defiance are central to many character arcs and plotlines.
Princess Margaret consistently exhibits rebellious behavior against royal expectations and her sister, Queen Elizabeth II, seeking a life beyond the confines of her royal duty, often leading to personal clashes and public scandals. Prince Philip frequently questions traditional customs and expresses frustration with the monarchy's rigid protocols, engaging in discussions that highlight his desire for more freedom and less adherence to outdated norms.
Violence
MediumViolence in 'The Crown' is generally not graphic but includes depictions of the aftermath of tragic events, medical procedures, and implied self-harm due to intense emotional distress. The focus is more on the emotional and psychological impact rather than overt physical brutality.
In Season 1, Episode 1, there are brief scenes of King George VI coughing up blood due to lung cancer and later, brief surgical shots during an operation, including a removed lung, which may be disturbing to some viewers. In Season 6, the aftermath of Princess Diana's fatal car crash is discussed extensively, though not explicitly shown. There is a focus on Diana being hounded by paparazzi, leading to a visible mark on her finger from biting it due to extreme mental strain.
Profanity
MediumProfanity is present in 'The Crown,' ranging from occasional mild curse words to strong expletives. Its frequency and intensity vary across seasons and episodes, often used by characters under stress or during intense dramatic moments.
Season 1, Episode 1, contains a harsh expletive, specifically the word 'c**t,' spoken by King George VI. Season 2, Episode 7 ('Matrimonium'), includes multiple instances of the 'f-word'. Throughout the series, characters occasionally swear when under stress.
Substance Use
MediumThe series frequently depicts characters consuming alcohol and smoking cigarettes, reflecting the historical periods portrayed. While integral to the setting, it often shows these substances being used casually and sometimes excessively, though not typically glamorized as central plot points of addiction or illegal drug use.
Princess Margaret is frequently shown smoking and consuming alcohol, particularly during her more tumultuous periods in Season 2 and beyond, reflecting her lifestyle. Prince Philip is also often seen smoking and drinking as part of his daily life and royal duties. These depictions are consistent with the historical period the series covers.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowNo instances of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, or supernatural elements were found within the content of 'The Crown' television series.
No specific examples related to witchcraft or occult themes were found in the analyzed content for 'The Crown'.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe series generally presents Christianity as an integral part of British royal life and Queen Elizabeth II's personal faith, without promoting anti-Christian themes. It depicts characters' struggles with faith and the Church of England's role, but also highlights positive aspects of Christian belief and duty.
Queen Elizabeth II's devout Christian faith is portrayed positively and as a guiding force in her life, notably in Season 2, Episode 6 ('Vergangenheit'), where she consults with evangelist Billy Graham about forgiveness and personal faith. While Prince Philip expresses boredom with church services and questions aspects of Christianity in Season 3, Episode 'Moondust,' this is presented as a personal struggle rather than an anti-Christian stance, concluding with his realization of human fragility over achievement.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
The Crown is recommended for mature audiences, specifically ages 17 and older. This recommendation is based on the series' TV-MA rating, which is justified by frequent depictions of sexual content, some nudity, strong language, and mature thematic elements including infidelity, mental health struggles, and disturbing events.
Additional Notes
Parents should be aware that the content intensity generally increases with later seasons, particularly regarding sexual content and the exploration of complex, mature themes like infidelity and mental health. Discussion of historical accuracy vs. dramatization may be beneficial for older viewers.
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