Couples Therapy (2019): parents' guide
Best for ages 16 and up. Rated TV-MA.
A thoughtful documentary series for adults and mature older teens, not a family watch. Real couples work through their problems with psychoanalyst Orna Guralnik, filmed through one-way mirrors, and episodes are almost entirely conversation. That conversation is very frank: sex and sexual dysfunction, infidelity, past domestic violence, one partner's past sexual trauma, alcoholism and drug use all come up, and couples talk about how racism affects their relationships. People curse freely, cry and yell, though no one gets physical. The language and subject matter put it at about 16.
What's in it
Violence
MildNo violence is shown. Couples have heated arguments, and some say they want to hit someone. Past domestic violence is discussed in sessions.
Language
StrongFrequent strong language, including f-words and s-words, in arguments and everyday talk, according to Common Sense.
Sex and nudity
ModerateNo sex or nudity on screen, but couples speak openly about their sex lives, attraction, sexual dysfunction, affairs and pregnancy. LGBTQ+ and polyamorous relationships are featured.
Drinking, drugs and smoking
ModerateSome social drinking is visible. Drunkenness, alcoholism and drug use come up as real problems in some couples' sessions.
Scary or intense scenes
MildNothing frightening, but sessions are raw, with crying, shouting and painful family histories, including childhood trauma and one partner's disclosure of past sexual trauma. Couples discuss racism, and a 2020 special covers COVID fears.
Sensitive topics
- Domestic abuse
- Addiction
- Sexual assault
- Racism
Worth talking about
The therapist rarely takes sides. Talk about why she keeps asking each partner to explain how the other one sees things.
On our lists
Similar picks around 16+
Checked October 13th, 2026 against Common Sense Media, Wikipedia, justwatch.com, Rotten Tomatoes. The age is our judgment, not an official rating, and every family draws its lines differently: read the notes, not just the number. Spotted something we missed? Tell us. How we rate.