Y – This program is designed to be appropriate for all children.

Shows rated Y are designed to be appropriate for all children. The thematic elements portrayed in programs with this rating are specifically designed for a very young audience, including children from ages 2–6. According to the FCC, this rating is "not expected to frighten younger children."

 

Y7 – This program is designed for children age 7 and above.

Shows rated Y7 are designed for children aged 7 and above. The FCC implies that it "may be more appropriate for children who have acquired the developmental skills needed to distinguish between make-believe and reality."The thematic elements portrayed in shows with this rating may include 'comedic violence', or may be frightening or confusing for children under the age of 7. Some programs may be given the "FV" content descriptor if they exhibit more 'fantasy violence', and/or are generally more intense or combative than other shows rated Y7.

 

G – Most parents would find this program suitable for all ages. 

Shows rated G are generally suitable for all ages. The FCC states that "this rating does not signify a program designed specifically for children, most parents may let younger children watch this program unattended." The thematic elements portrayed in programs with this rating contain little or no violence, no strong language, and little or no sexual dialogue or situations.

 

PG – This program contains material that parents may find unsuitable for younger children. 

Shows rated PG contain material that parental guardians may find inappropriate for younger children. This rating may contain cartoon violence, little to no mild language, and little to no sexual dialogue or situations. 

 

FTP-14 – This program contains some material that many parents would find unsuitable for children under 14 years of age.

Shows rated FTP-14 may contain some material that parental guardians may find unsuitable for children under the age of 14. The FCC warns that "Parents are cautioned to exercise some care in monitoring this program and are cautioned against letting children under the age of 14 watch unattended." This rating may include cartoon to bloody violence, mild language, and some sexual dialogue and situations. 

 

FTP-MA – This program is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and therefore may be unsuitable for children under 17.

Shows rated FTP-MA are usually designed to be viewed by adults. Some content may be unsuitable for children under 17. Comparable to an R movie rating this rating may include bloody violence, strong language, sexual dialogue and situations, and nudity. 

 

Some thematic elements, according to the FCC, "may call for parental guidance and/or the program may contain one or more of the following" sub-ratings, designated with an alphabetic letter:

• D – Suggestive dialogue

• L – Coarse language

• S – Sexual content

• V – Violence

  • FV – Fantasy violence 

  • E/I – Educational & Informative 

Up to four content descriptors can be applied alongside an applied rating, depending on the kind of suggestive content featured in a show. As the rating increases pertaining to the age, the content matters generally get more intensive.