Washington Black is a new eight-episode drama series coming to Hulu on July 23, 2025. The series is based on the award-winning book by Esi Edugyan. It stars Ernest Kingsley Jr. as an 11-year-old boy named Washington, and Sterling K. Brown as Medwin Harris. The story takes place in the 1800s and shows Washington’s journey from slavery to freedom across different countries.
This is a powerful and emotional story with historical themes, some violent scenes, and a few mature moments. Here’s what parents need to know.
| Title | Washington Black |
|---|---|
| Genre | Historical Drama |
| Based on | Washington Black by Esi Edugyan |
| Creator | Selwyn Seyfu Hinds |
| Release Date | July 23, 2025 |
| Network | Hulu (U.S.), Disney+ (International) |
| Number of Episodes | 8 |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Likely Age Rating | TV-MA (Expected) |
Washington Black Age Rating
Washington Black has not been officially rated yet, but based on the content shown in the trailer, it will likely be rated TV-MA. This means it is meant for mature audiences only and may not be suitable for viewers under 17.
Is Washington Black Appropriate for Kids?
No, this series is not for children. It includes serious topics like slavery, racism, and violence. While it tells an important story, the strong content makes it better for adults and older teens.
Age-wise Viewing Recommendation
| Age Group | Is it Suitable? |
|---|---|
| 1–9 years | No. Not suitable for young children. |
| 10–12 years | No. Too violent and emotionally heavy. |
| 13–15 years | Not recommended unless supervised by parents. |
| 16–17 years | Maybe okay for mature teens with parental support. |
| 18+ | Suitable for adults. |
Washington Black Parents Guide
This show includes strong emotional themes and some mature content. Below is a breakdown of the content parents should know: This section explains the kind of content parents can expect in the series.
Violence and Gore
- Scenes show fighting, use of weapons, and intense emotional moments.
- The violence is not cartoonish. It is realistic and may be disturbing to younger viewers.
- A few scenes include threats, fear, and pain related to slavery and running away.
Language
- Some episodes may include strong or emotional language, especially in stressful scenes.
- Words used may be inappropriate for younger audiences.
Sex and Nudity
- There is a brief kissing scene.
- There is no nudity or sexual activity, based on current trailer info.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
- A few scenes show characters drinking alcohol at parties.
- This is not a major part of the story, but it is shown.
Scary or Intense Scenes
- The series has tense and sad moments, especially involving escape and survival.
- Some episodes may be emotionally hard to watch for sensitive viewers.
Tips for Parents
- Watch first: Preview the show to decide if it’s okay for your teen.
- Talk after viewing: Discuss the history and emotional parts with your child.
- Explain themes: Help kids understand why the story is important and real.
Washington Black Official Trailer
Hulu released the trailer for Washington Black, showing emotional and action-packed scenes. You can watch it on Hulu’s official YouTube channel or the Hulu app.
You can stream Washington Black on Hulu starting July 23, 2025 in the U.S. and on Disney+ internationally. All eight episodes will be available at once.
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Washington Black (2025)?
A: The show is likely to be rated TV-MA, which means it is for mature audiences.
Q: Is there violence in the series?
A: Yes. There are scenes showing fighting, weapons, and emotional historical violence.
Q: Are there any romantic or sexual scenes?
A: There is a brief kissing scene, but no graphic content is expected.
Q: Do characters use alcohol in the show?
A: Yes. Some party scenes include wine or alcohol use.
Q: Can kids watch Washington Black?
A: No. It’s better for older teens and adults due to mature themes.
Q. Where can I watch it?
A. The series will be available on Hulu (U.S.) and Disney+ (international) from July 23, 2025.