Will Trent
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Will Trent
Will Trent (2023) is an American police procedural crime drama series based on Karin Slaughter's bestselling novels, following Special Agent Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Abandoned at birth and raised in Atlanta's foster care system, Trent uses his unique perspective, including his dyslexia, to solve cases, achieving the highest clearance rate in the GBI. The show explores complex criminal investigations, character-driven narratives, and the personal struggles of its protagonists, including Will's tumultuous relationship with fellow detective Angie Polaski, who shares his foster care background. The series is rated TV-14, indicating it is suitable for teenagers aged 14 and older, though many parent reviews suggest it is better suited for older teens due to its gritty nature and mature themes, such as violence, trauma, and addiction. It has been renewed for multiple seasons, with content intensity generally consistent across installments, focusing on compelling mysteries and the intricate lives of its diverse cast.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The series includes openly queer characters and features storylines that address LGBTQ+ themes. It has been noted for its diverse representation and has dedicated episodes celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. This content is recurring and explicitly depicted.
Nico, a recurring character who serves as Will Trent's housemate and dog sitter, is identified as a queer character, with a 'queer plotline' starting in Season 1, Episode 2, 'I'm a Pretty Observant Guy.' In Season 2, Episode 6, titled 'We Are Family,' the storyline centers on a homicide connected to a dance club for drag performers. The episode features fully developed drag queen characters and reveals that the murder motive stems from a judge's alienation of her gay son. Additionally, the Season 3 premiere explicitly introduces a gay character, Wexford, who states his sexuality.
Violence
Will Trent is a crime drama that features frequent and intense depictions of violence, including graphic crime scenes, murders, shootings, and physical confrontations. While not always overly gory, the visual and thematic content is visceral and can be unsettling.
Scary & Intense Content
The series contains a high level of scary and intense content, inherent to its crime drama genre. This includes graphic crime scenes, themes of murder, kidnapping, and systemic abuse, all contributing to a suspenseful and often unsettling viewing experience.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
TV-14, recommended for ages 15+. While officially rated TV-14, the series is a "hard 14" due to its intense violence, graphic crime scene descriptions, mature themes of trauma and addiction, and complex adult relationships, making it more appropriate for older teenagers and adults.
Good to Know
The series often explores the long-term psychological impact of childhood trauma, particularly through the main characters Will Trent and Angie Polaski, who both grew up in the foster care system. This thematic depth, while offering opportunities for discussion on resilience and empathy, can also be a significant "trauma trigger" for sensitive viewers. The show also receives praise for its portrayal of Will Trent's dyslexia, showcasing how he navigates a world built on written information and uses his unique perspective as an advantage.
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