Watershed (broadcasting) (original) (raw)

In broadcasting, the watershed is the time of day after which programming aimed towards mature or adult audiences is permitted. In the same way that a geological watershed divides two drainage basins, a broadcasting watershed serves as a dividing line in a schedule between family-oriented programs, and programs aimed at or suitable for a more adult audience, such as those containing objectionable content (including graphic violence, profane language, and sexual intercourse, or strong references to those themes, even if they are not shown explicitly). The transition to more adult material must not be unduly abrupt and the strongest material should appear later in the evening.