Making a Murderer: parents' guide
Best for ages 15 and up. Rated TV-14.
A slow-burning, absorbing true crime series for older teens interested in how the justice system works, or fails. It follows Steven Avery, freed by DNA evidence after 18 years in prison for a rape he did not commit, who is then charged with the 2005 murder of a young photographer along with his 16-year-old nephew. No violence is shown, but the rape and murder are described in vivid detail, including in a teen's videotaped confession, and crime scene photos and bloody images appear. Some episodes include f-words. Season 2 follows the appeals. The disturbing material and the pressure put on a vulnerable teen are why we suggest 15.
What's in it
Violence
StrongSexual assault and murder are central but never shown; a rape survivor and a teen's confession describe attacks in detail. Crime scene photos, burned remains and bloody images appear, plus real dead bodies in season 2. Avery's past killing of a cat is discussed.
Language
ModerateProfanity turns up in some episodes, including f-words, s-words, "bitch," "bastard" and "goddamn," but it is not constant. No source counted the words.
Sex and nudity
ModerateNothing sexual is shown, but sexual acts and the alleged rape are discussed explicitly, including in police questioning of a teenager.
Drinking, drugs and smoking
NoneDrinking and drug use are not a notable part of the series, and reviewers flagged none.
Scary or intense scenes
ModerateGrim rather than scary: long interrogation and courtroom footage, a frightened teen pressured into confessing, talk of burned remains, and families torn apart. The sense of injustice can be upsetting, and season 2 keeps the same tone.
Sensitive topics
- Sexual assault
- Animal death
Worth talking about
The series raises questions about how police question young people and whether justice depends on money and status. Talk about why someone might confess to a crime they did not commit.
On our lists
Similar picks around 15+
Checked October 13th, 2026 against Common Sense Media, Wikipedia, netflix.com, bbfc.co.uk. 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.