O.J.: Made in America: parents' guide
Best for ages 15 and up. Rated TV-MA.
A sweeping, Oscar-winning documentary for older teens interested in race, celebrity and justice in America. Over nearly eight hours it traces O.J. Simpson's rise from the projects to football stardom, the 1994 murders of his ex-wife and her friend, the televised Bronco chase, when he had a gun to his own head, the trial, and his later downfall and imprisonment. Expect graphic crime scene and autopsy photos (unblurred in some versions), real footage of police brutality and riots, frank evidence of domestic abuse, and the N-word in historical context. Other profanity is mild. The graphic images and heavy themes are why we suggest 15, ideally with a parent.
What's in it
Violence
StrongGraphic crime scene and autopsy photos of the two murder victims are shown briefly but more than once, and the killings are described in detail. Archival footage shows police beatings, including the full Rodney King video, riots, attack dogs and burning buildings.
Language
StrongEveryday swearing is mild, mostly hell, damn and ass, with an s-word bleeped. The N-word is heard several times as interviewees and archival material discuss racism and the case.
Sex and nudity
MildNo sex scenes or nudity. Interviewees talk approvingly about casual sex as a perk of fame and discuss Simpson's affairs, and one recalls Nicole describing him as sexually forceful on their first date.
Drinking, drugs and smoking
ModerateDrinking and cocaine come up in interviews, and one story involves a nightclub that let in underage patrons. Nothing more than that is shown.
Scary or intense scenes
StrongClose-up crime scene and autopsy photos of the victims are deeply disturbing, and grieving relatives describe their loss. Part three covers the Bronco chase, when Simpson held a gun to his own head, and Nicole's 911 calls and the riot footage are hard to sit through.
Sensitive topics
- Domestic abuse
- Racism
- Death of a parent
- Suicide
Worth talking about
The film shows how differently Black and white Americans saw the verdict. Talk about how history with the police shapes trust in the justice system, and whether celebrity changed the outcome.
On our lists
Similar picks around 15+
Checked October 13th, 2026 against Common Sense Media, Wikipedia, justwatch.com, tvmaze.com, abcnews.com, Rotten Tomatoes, larrybrownsports.com, vice.com. 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.