With the fifth and final season of You now on Netflix, there’s no doubt that you want to jump right in. Maybe now you’re willing to give this toxic love series a chance since there’s a complete series that’s ended on its own terms to dive into.
Whatever the reason, you’ll be looking at whether this series is suitable for the kids in the house. This could work for some of the older teens, and it could be a great look at what toxic love is and what to look out for in dangerous men (and women). However, it’s going to be one to watch once smaller kids have gone to bed.
Joe Goldberg is not the type of guy you want your children to date, no matter how young or old they are. He is a stalker, and there have been many bodies turning out around him.
You age rating: Explaining the TV-MA age rating
This Netflix series is officially rated TV-MA, which means that it’s made for adults in mind. It’s not designed to be something for under 18s, but I do think some 15-18-year-olds could benefit from learning what not to look for in guys! Let’s break down the reasoning behind the age rating, though.
Sex & nudity: There are scenes of men and women in their underwear, and in the third season, there is a scene where two people are in bed together. While we don’t see anything gratuitous, it’s clear what they are up to with their moans, and there are plenty of sex toys around just in case the sound effects weren’t enough.
Full nudity is very rare, though, which is why I think older teens could be comfortable with this.
Violence & gore: There are some gory moments, such as people being hit over the head and left in a pool of their own blood. There is a scene that focuses on one woman after she has been killed in the first season alone. In the third season, we witness one of the characters cutting off his own toe, and while it’s not overly visual, it’s clear what he’s doing and that toe is shown afterward.
This is a series that is all about murder as well as stalking. Each season has bloody murders, and they get more graphic as the seasons go on.
Language: This could make a lot of people uncomfortable. The S-word is used a lot, as well as the F-bomb. There are also multiple uses of the C-word, especially in the fourth and fifth seasons, with it aimed at women and used in a derogatory way.
Alcohol & drugs: It shouldn’t really be that surprising to learn that alcohol and drugs are used. Joe tends to surround himself with people who have money, as he wants to be part of that lifestyle, even though he doesn’t necessarily like to admit it. There are moments as early as the first season where characters will take various illegal substances.
Drinking is also popular. Many of the characters like to relax with a glass of wine or a beer, and there are others who will drink as a way to cope with their mental health. The uses will certainly be something to discuss with teens if you do watch with them.
Overall verdict: Who is You appropriate for?
This is one of those shows that I highly recommend watching on your own first. If you have younger kids in the house, please wait for them to go to bed. There are some scary moments throughout for them.
Once you’ve watched it, you’ll know if it’s something for your teens or not. I think it could work well for older teens, especially those who want to get into the crime or horror genres. However, it could be a little unsettling for some with a weaker stomach for violence and toxic romance.
You is available to stream on Netflix.