True crime series are all the rage right now, and it’s not surprising that Netflix has another docuseries out. The streamer is continuing with the Conversations with a Killer anthology, this time with Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes.
Like with the previous iterations, the series brings previously unheard tapes of serial killer David Berkowitz. There are also newer interviews with various victims and detectives involved in the case that took a hold on New York in the 1970s, along with recreations of the story.
Is this something for the whole family? You’ll want to watch out for who you put this on around.
Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes age rating: Explaining the TV-MA rating
When you initially look at a show with a TV-MA rating, you expect a lot of blood, gore, violence, and sex. Well, that’s not quite the case with Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes, but it still earns that TV-MA rating.
Sex & nudity: There is no sex or nudity on show throughout the docuseries. Even in the recreations, there is nothing that shows sex or even hints at it.
Violence & gore: There are some recreations of events that happened and recorded footage of the past. One of the scenes involves seeing Berkowtiz shooting at people running away from him, hitting at least one of them in the back.
These recreations focus on the victims, as the families of the victims explain what happened afterward. The series remains respectful of the families.
A lot of the violence is told through words as well as the recreation. The victims’ families and friends go into the details of the attack to help set the stage.
Language: There isn’t much in terms of language throughout the series. We get the odd religious swear word, but the F-bomb isn’t heard.
Alcohol & drugs: There are some moments in recreated scenes, especially considering these scenes are supposed to be set in the 1970s. This is a time when many people smoked or drank more, and we see a little of that. There is no drug use, and we don’t see anyone intoxicated.
Overall verdict: Who is Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes appropriate for?
This true crime series is one of those for the adults. While there isn’t much in the way of violence and gore, it is still dark. The tapes bring up a lot of twisted topics, and the victims’ families do go into a lot of details.
Not only could the content be a little too scary for them, but it isn’t exactly going to be the type of show that they want to watch. There isn’t a lot of action, and there’s no real “happy ending” that kids are used to seeing. Pop this on when they’re in bed.
Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes is now available to stream on Netflix.