TV: Is it time to change the TV content ratings?

[TMC1982]

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Special-...s-1045591.aspx

Do viewers really care whether a show is "TV-14-D-L-S-V" or "TV-MA-L"? One of the people behind the content ratings thinks it's time for an overhaul: "I think the language on TV has evolved and changed, and I don't know that our ratings quite know what to do with that."

[SniperHF]

Whatever you overhaul it to people won't care either.

It's only useful for people who use the chip to block programing for kids because I think it keys off those. And since that's the only real purpose the current system probably works fine.

[Rhett4]

I like the system. Whenever I hear "s" and "n" before an HBO show it makes me excited.

[Protest the Hero]

The ratings are so stupid, I'd be surprised if anyone even notices them before the show starts. Is there anything that airs at 10 pm on network TV that couldn't air at 8?

[Shameus]

I have to agree with Sniper that parents are the only ones that pay attention to the TV ratings. They'll be the only demographic that is affected by any change. That said, any parent that is paying attention to that (because let's be honest some don't) is already watching the shows their kids watch anyways to make sure the content is appropriate to begin with.

[SK13]

Changing them? They are kind of meaningless. You can pretty well guage solely by network.

The highest a network show gets is TV14 or equivalent, which is basically everything on primetime. There isn't much most parents wouldn't let their kids watch, IMO.

Basic cable, like FX or USA, is typically TV14 to TV17. More swearing, more violence, but nothing crazy. Probably safe for teenagers.

And HBO, Showtime, etc - pretty well adults only.