Abstract: The apparatus and methods of the present invention create an effective and efficient method for evaluating, rating, and categorizing media content intended for consumption by the general population. The present invention incorporates a plurality of media categories, category ratings, and category limits that, when taken together, provide information relative to media content for decision-making purposes. Each instance of media content is reviewed for instances of potentially objectionable material including violence, sensuality, language, ambiance, alcohol/drugs/smoking, and intensity. By scoring and weighting the various observed instances of the media content, an overall media “score” can be obtained. As desired, various weighting factors can be introduced and used to skew the final score of the media content. Finally, a label can be associated with the media content to identify and provide a visual indication of the media content score.