TV-MA stands for "Mature Audience Only," and it indicates that a TV show is suitable for adults aged 17 years or older. The content may include strong language, explicit sexual content, or graphic violence. R ratings, on the other hand, refer to movies that are restricted for viewers under the age of 17 without a parent or guardian. TV-MA can be considered equivalent to an R rating, but the difference is that TV-MA content may have more graphic or explicit content compared to R-rated movies.