TV-MA
Arts & Entertainment abbreviation · Film, Television and Theater
| Stands for | Mature Audience Only |
|---|---|
| Categories | Arts & Entertainment |
TV-MA stands for Mature Audience Only, a film, television and theater abbreviation.
US TV rating for programs designed for adults and possibly unsuitable for anyone under 17, with graphic violence, explicit sexual activity or crude language. Common on premium cable and streaming services.
Example: Streaming notice: this series is rated TV-MA for violence, language and nudity.
Usage notes
Broadcast networks rarely air TV-MA content, while services such as HBO, Netflix and FX use it frequently. The rating is roughly equivalent to an R or NC-17 for films. Parental controls on smart TVs and apps can block TV-MA titles.
Related abbreviations
More film, television and theater abbreviations
- SNL – Saturday Night Live
- SR – Stage right
- SVOD – Subscription video on demand
- THX – THX
- TV-14 – Parents Strongly Cautioned
- TV-G – General Audience
- TV-PG – Parental Guidance Suggested
- TV-Y – All Children
- TV-Y7 – Directed to Older Children
- TVOD – Transactional video on demand
- U – Universal
- UPM – Unit production manager