With the rising popularity of streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu and rising inflation costs, more people are spending time watching television. However, due to FCC rule changes, streaming apps can show mature material with violence, gore, and nudity. The only requirement is a disclaimer before the show stating that it’s only intended for mature audiences.

This makes it challenging for Christian viewers to discern whether a show suits their viewing pleasure. Explicit material is constantly available, but it’s not just violence and sex that you must look out for. Christians should also be cautious of the underlying messages connected through these television shows. Here are some shows that Christians should be careful of.

"Yellowstone"

A synopsis of this popular western reads that patriarch John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, aims to defend his land from land developers and an indigenous tribe for the sake of politics, family and legacy. Over the past four seasons, the show has become a fan favorite, even producing a spin-off called “1923,” starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. The show emphasizes family values and preserving traditions, but most episodes contain excessive foul language. Viewers may enjoy journeying back to the western days, but the language may be too much for teenagers and children.

"Little Demon"

Disney, the parent company of the FX network, found itself in hot water after producing a show about the anti-Christ’s daughter, Chrissy. The show’s synopsis says that Chrissy and her mother, Laura, are trying to live everyday life in Delaware. Still, they’re constantly thwarted by horrific forces, including Satan, who wants custody of Chrissy’s soul. Also, in an interview, the actress, who is the voice of Chrissy, said she loves that the show is normalizing paganism. Most shows have an underlying evil message, but the “Little Demons” message is about as apparent as possible.

"The Parent Test"

This new ABC reality show takes 12 different parents and their children and gives them a set of challenges to find the best parenting style. With different parenting styles ranging from New Age to free range, parents are under fire as their children complete tasks under Ali Worthington’s watchful eye and a trained child psychologist. The show only has a PG rating, but one set of parents examines the other, commenting on their differing parenting styles. As viewers go through the show, they’ll notice that it’s nothing more than parents rebelling against past parenting styles while letting their feelings about their parents’ parenting style influence how they raise their children.

"Tulsa King"

The fans of Sylvester Stallone and the “Rocky” movies may drift toward “Tulsa King,” thinking that it has positive messages and similar underdog roots to the “Rocky” franchise. However, viewers will be appalled to find it’s the opposite of “Rocky” films’ messages. Stallone plays Dwight Manfredi, who spent 25 years in prison for a crime he didn’t do. He took the blame for a murder, hoping to show his loyalty and protect the mafia boss. However, the mob family disowns him when he’s released and sends him to Tulsa, Oklahoma as the new mob king. The show is full of violence and foul language, a far cry from the “Rocky” franchise.

Christians are called to live out biblical principles in every aspect of life, including what we watch on television. The TV shows we entertain ourselves with matter as much as our public persona. The next time you want to start a new show but are unsure if it’s suitable to watch, use Psalm 101:3 as your guide.