Lazarus (Japanese: LAZARUS ラザロ, Hepburn: Razaro) is an upcoming original anime television series produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment. It is set to premiere in April 2025 on TV Tokyo in Japan and on Adult Swim’s Toonami in the United States.
The sci-fi thriller is set in a utopian 2052, where a miracle drug called Hapna offers a cure-all solution. However, its creator, Dr. Skinner, later reveals that the drug has a three-year half-life, causing everyone who took it to face certain death.
A special task force called Lazarus is assembled to track down Skinner and develop a vaccine before time runs out.
Lazarus Age Rating
The series is rated TV-MA, indicating that it is intended for mature audiences aged 17 and older. The rating reflects its graphic violence, intense action sequences, and mature themes. Below is a detailed content breakdown.
Violence & Gore
Lazarus features intense and graphic action scenes, including gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and futuristic weaponry. Characters are frequently injured or killed, with blood, explosions, and physical trauma depicted in a realistic and sometimes brutal manner. The series does not shy away from gory details, showing the consequences of combat, including fatal wounds and dismemberment. The dystopian setting creates a dark and perilous atmosphere, with the stakes of survival constantly high.
Language
The anime contains frequent strong language, including expletives such as “f**k,” “sh*t,” and similar profanity. The dialogue realistically portrays the stress and desperation of the task force as they race against time, making the language unsuitable for younger viewers.
Sexual Content
While Lazarus primarily focuses on action and science fiction, it may include suggestive content or mild nudity. Brief scenes of characters in revealing outfits or flirtatious interactions may be present, but no explicit sexual content is expected.
Mature Themes
The series explores dark and thought-provoking themes, including the consequences of unregulated scientific advancements, corporate greed, and the moral dilemmas of creating and distributing a miracle drug. It also addresses mortality, desperation, and the ethical conflicts of playing with human life. These heavy themes contribute to the mature tone of the show.
Is Lazarus Suitable for Teens?
Ages 13-15: Not recommended due to its graphic violence, strong language, and mature themes. The intense action and dark subject matter may be disturbing for younger teens.
Ages 16-17: May be suitable for mature teens with parental guidance. The series’ sci-fi action and complex themes may appeal to older teens who enjoy dystopian or thriller anime, but parents should be aware of the frequent violence and mature content.
Given its TV-MA rating and intense subject matter, Lazarus is best suited for adult audiences and older teens who can handle its mature themes.
What Parents Can Do
Watch the Trailer: Preview the series to assess its intensity before allowing teens to watch.
Discuss the Themes: Talk about the ethical issues surrounding miracle drugs and the dangers of unregulated science.
Monitor Sensitivity Levels: If your teen is sensitive to violence, dystopian themes, or mature content, consider whether the show is appropriate for them.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Lazarus?
A: The series is rated TV-MA, intended for mature audiences aged 17 and older.
Q: How violent is Lazarus?
A: The series features graphic violence, including gunfights, blood, and physical trauma.
Q: Is there any sexual content in Lazarus?
A: The show may include suggestive content or mild nudity, but no explicit sexual scenes are expected.
Q: Is Lazarus suitable for teenagers?
A: The series is best suited for older teens (16+) and adults due to its mature themes and intense violence.
Q: Where can I watch Lazarus?
A: The series will air on TV Tokyo in Japan and Adult Swim’s Toonami in the U.S. in April 2025.
With its intense action, dystopian themes, and mature storytelling, Lazarus promises to be a gripping and thought-provoking anime, but its graphic content makes it best suited for mature audiences.