1923

What’s it about?

Set in the early 20th century American West, 1923 follows the Dutton ranching family as they deal with drought, cattle thieves, relationships, and those plotting to take their land. The series also follows a young Native American woman as she escapes the cruelty of forced Westernisation, and the whirlwind love story of the Duttons’ game hunting son in Africa.

The facts

• Directed by Ben Richardson (Yellowstone, Mare of Easttown), and Guy Ferland (The Walking Dead, Falling Down)
• Historic spin-off from the popular drama Yellowstone
• Featuring Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford
• Contains horses and cowboys

Why did it get this rating?

This show was self-rated by Amazon Prime. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Violence and cruelty

Throughout the series there are fight scenes including fist fights, and shootouts resulting in bloody injuries and death. There is a murder where we briefly see a woman being beaten and then strangled. Injury detail is sometimes shown, including bullet wounds and briefly scalped heads from a moderate distance.

Cruel violence is most impactful in scenes showing vicious punishments of young Native American women at their religious boarding school, including beatings and deprivation.

Sex scenes, themes, and sadism

The series contains some sex scenes, where we see breast and buttock nudity but not close-up action.

In later episodes, a few scenes deal with sexual sadism as sex workers are whipped with a belt and a character gets pleasure from causing them pain.

Sexual violence

A young woman is groped off-screen by a nun, with the camera focused on her face and her upset expression. A later reference to rape makes it clear that this wasn’t the first time. This could be upsetting for viewers sensitive to storylines about sexual abuse.

Offensive language

Offensive language like the F-word are used a little, except for a nasty character who regularly swears in rage.

Helplines

If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
• Lifeline

Further information

Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?