viewer discretion

Meaning

Viewer discretion is a formal warning broadcasted before a television show, movie, or online video, advising the audience that the upcoming content contains mature themes, violence, or sensitive material. It cautions viewers, especially parents, to decide whether the program is appropriate for themselves or their children.

Examples

• The documentary contains graphic scenes of war zone surgery, so viewer discretion is advised.

  The documentary contains graphic scenes of war zone surgery, so viewer discretion is advised.

• Networks place a viewer discretion warning at the start of programs rated TV-MA.

  Networks place a viewer discretion warning at the start of programs rated TV-MA.

• Because of the strong language and suggestive themes, the broadcaster recommended viewer discretion.

  Because of the strong language and suggestive themes, the broadcaster recommended viewer discretion.

• The streaming platform added a viewer discretion slide before the controversial true-crime series.

  The streaming platform added a viewer discretion slide before the controversial true-crime series.

• News channels sometimes display a viewer discretion notice before airing raw, unedited footage of natural disasters.

  News channels sometimes display a viewer discretion notice before airing raw, unedited footage of natural disasters.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Viewer attention is advised before watching this scary movie.

  ✓ Viewer discretion is advised before watching this scary movie.

  'Viewer discretion is advised' is a fixed, highly formal collocated warning. Replacing 'discretion' with 'attention' changes the meaning and is not used in broadcasting.

• ✗ The show has a high viewer discretion.

  ✓ The show requires viewer discretion.

  'Discretion' is the capacity to make responsible decisions. A show itself does not possess discretion; rather, it requires or advises discretion from the audience.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Due to scenes depicting intense violence, ___ is strongly advised for the upcoming broadcast.

  💡 A formal warning prompting the audience to decide if the content is appropriate.

  Show answer

  viewer discretion

• The network aired a quick ___ slide before showing the graphic news footage.

  💡 Warning message about mature or upsetting content.

  Show answer

  viewer discretion