Washington Black is a 2025 historical action-adventure limited series streaming on Hulu. Based on a novel by Esi Edugyan, the series follows a young boy named George Washington “Wash” Black on a life-changing journey from a Barbados sugar plantation into a world full of danger, discovery, and hope.
As Wash escapes slavery and travels across continents, he learns about freedom, family, and self-worth, all while showcasing his brilliant scientific mind. The series blends historical drama with emotional storytelling and rich visuals.
The show stars Ernest Kingsley Jr., Sterling K. Brown, Tom Ellis, Sharon Duncan Brewster, Iola Evans, and Edward Bluemel, and is produced by 20th Television in association with Indian Meadows Productions and The Gotham Group.
Washington Black Age Rating
Washington Black is rated TV-14, which means some content may not be suitable for children under 14. This rating suggests that the show includes material like moderate language, emotional themes, and brief scenes of violence that might require parental guidance.
Here’s a spoiler-free breakdown of the show’s main content areas:
Violence & Peril
The series includes scenes of physical danger, especially in the early episodes that show life on a plantation. There are moments of fear, escape, and emotional distress. While the violence is not graphic, it is intense in context. Some historical elements may be upsetting for younger viewers.
Language
There is occasional strong language, though it is not frequent or extreme. The dialogue generally matches the emotional tone of the story, especially during tense or dramatic moments.
Mature Themes
The show explores important but heavy themes like slavery, freedom, racial identity, family separation, and trauma. These topics are handled with care but may be emotionally challenging for younger teens. However, the core of the story is hopeful and inspiring.
Is Washington Black Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Possibly suitable with guidance. The themes of slavery and historical injustice may be difficult for younger viewers. Parental support is important to help explain the context.
Ages 13–17: Generally suitable. Teens may connect with Wash’s journey and the positive messages about courage, learning, and personal growth. The emotional content may be intense at times, but it’s handled with sensitivity and purpose.
Washington Black can be an enriching experience for older kids and teens, especially with parental support and open conversations about its themes.
What Parents Can Do
Watch Together: Viewing the show as a family can help younger teens understand the historical context and emotional moments better.
Encourage Questions: Be open to discussing the deeper issues the show brings up, such as racism, resilience, and personal identity.
Connect with the Book: If your teen is a reader, consider pairing the show with the novel it’s based on to deepen their understanding and engagement.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Washington Black?
A: The series is rated TV-14 for thematic content and mild violence.
Q: Is Washington Black appropriate for teens?
A: Yes, especially for viewers ages 13 and up. Parental guidance is helpful for younger teens.
Q: Does Washington Black have violence?
A: Yes, but it is not graphic. The violent content is related to historical events and emotional tension.
Q: Is there any sexual content in the series?
A: No. The series does not include sexual content or nudity.
Q: Where can I watch Washington Black?
A: The series is available to stream on Hulu in 2025.