Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, initially a bestselling book with a 77-week run on the New York Times list, has been adapted into a Netflix series. The story centers on Pip, a 17-year-old who reopens a closed murder case from five years prior, uncovering dark secrets that someone in her town desperately wants to keep hidden. Parents considering the book or show for their teens understandably want to know: why is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder rated MA and is it suitable for them? This guide breaks down the age ratings and content considerations.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is generally recommended for ages 14 and up. However, the TV adaptation carries a TV-MA rating, leading to questions about its appropriateness for younger teens.
Book Rating vs. TV Show Rating
It’s important to differentiate between the book and TV show ratings, as they are assessed differently.
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Book: The publisher, Penguin Random House, suggests the book is suitable for readers aged 14+.
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TV Show: The TV Parental Guidelines rating for A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is TV-MA, signifying content intended for mature audiences aged 17 and older. Common Sense Media offers a differing opinion, suggesting it is appropriate for 14+.
The TV-MA rating indicates that the series contains mature content, but what exactly does that entail?
Content Considerations: Why the MA Rating?
The diverging ratings signal the need for parental caution. The TV-MA rating stems from several factors:
- Mature Themes: Instances of drug use, sexual assault, self-harm, and violence are present. These themes can be emotionally challenging for younger viewers and may require parental guidance.
- Language: The characters use language typical of teenagers, which includes profanity. While present in the book, it is more prevalent in the TV series.
Delving Deeper: Specific Content Breakdown
To further understand the rating, let’s examine specific content elements:
- Sex and Nudity: While there are discussions of nudity, the show avoids explicit on-screen depictions. The book includes a scenario where a teen is pressured into sending a nude photo. Teenage romance is present, limited to kissing and, in the book, descriptions of groping. Underage sex is mentioned.
Mature discussions and potentially triggering scenarios contribute to the TV-MA rating.
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Substance Use: Drugs and drug dealing are recurring themes. The show depicts ketamine use. Underage drinking is frequent, and Rohypnol (a date-rape drug) is a plot device.
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Violence: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder contains significant violence, including murder, discussions of suicide, self-harm, self-induced vomiting, rape, and sexual assault. While the show depicts some violence (e.g., a bloodied murder victim), it generally avoids graphic depictions of the violence described in the book.
Positive Messages Amidst the Mature Content
Despite the mature content, the story features positive elements. The main character, Pip, seeks justice for a wrongly accused person. She demonstrates determination and a willingness to learn from her mistakes, making her a strong role model.
Making an Informed Decision
Ultimately, determining whether A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (book or show) is appropriate for your teen requires careful consideration of the content and your child’s maturity level. Watching the show together or reading the book beforehand can help you assess its impact and address any questions or concerns.
