Fargo, Season 5

What’s it about?

Happy-go-lucky Dot becomes entangled in a dangerous situation, facing threats from both criminals and law enforcement. The season explores themes of power, greed, and betrayal, all with the signature blend of quirky and intense storytelling that Fargo is known for.

The facts 

• Directed by Noah Hawley
• Stars Juno Temple, Jon Hamm, Lamorne Morris, Joe Keery
• English language 
• Runtime: 10 episodes, around 45 minutes each 
• Lamorne Morris won best supporting actor in a limited series at the 2024 Emmys

Why did it get this rating? 

This series was self-rated by Neon. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Domestic violence and sexual violence themes

A domestic and sexual violence survivor recounts her harrowing experience involving an abuser who pursued and held her captive. While no distressing scenes of sexual violence are depicted on-screen, she talks about her painful past with others, and a police officer handles forensic photos of her injured body.

You do see some instances of domestic violence when a character physically assaults women.

Violence and cruelty

Violence is a central theme in Fargo. In this season, some key moments of violence and cruelty include:

• Multiple shootouts, including a long and intense one towards the end of the season
• Armed robberies, during which people are set on fire
• A group of masked men enter a house with booby-traps set up and are injured in different ways
• An assassin hunts people down throughout the season, using multiple methods of killing including stabbing, shooting,

Self-harm

During a satanic ritual, a character cuts his arm using a large knife and wipes the blood on his face.

Offensive language

There’s plenty of offensive language throughout the season including f*ck, sh*t, a*s, and b*tch as well as coarse language

Sexual themes

Characters are shown in their underwear, getting dressed after having sex, but you don’t see the act itself.

Content that may disturb 

A female character is captured and held hostage by a man, who claims she “belongs” to him. She is chained up and attempts to free herself, failing multiple times.

A character is shown doing a satanic ritual, covered in dirt and blood. He speaks Latin and screams whilst thrusting in front of a fire pit.

Helplines:

The domestic and sexual violence could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• Women’s refuge
• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Youthline

Further information 

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?