Still shot from A Good Girl
Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder has captivated readers and viewers alike. Spending an impressive 77 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list as a book and now adapted into a popular Netflix series, the story centers on 17-year-old Pip as she reopens a closed murder case from five years prior in her seemingly quiet town. Pip’s investigation leads her to uncover hidden secrets, and someone is determined to keep them buried. As parents consider whether A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is suitable for their children, understanding the a good girl’s guide to murder age rating is crucial. This guide will break down the age ratings for both the book and TV series, and discuss the content parents should be aware of.
Decoding the Age Ratings for A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
Navigating age ratings can be tricky, especially when comparing books and television adaptations. Let’s examine the different ratings assigned to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder to provide clarity for parents.
Book Age Rating
According to the publisher, Penguin Random House, the recommended age for readers of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder book is 14 years and older. This suggests the book is geared towards young adult readers, but parents should still consider the themes explored within its pages.
TV Series Age Rating
The Netflix TV adaptation of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder has received a TV-MA rating. This TV Parental Guidelines designation signifies content intended for mature audiences aged 17 and up. TV-MA programming often includes mature themes, graphic violence, explicit sexual content, or strong language.
However, Common Sense Media, a well-known resource for parents evaluating media content, offers a slightly different perspective. They suggest an age rating of 14+ for the TV series, aligning it with the book’s target audience. This divergence highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of these ratings and considering your teen’s individual maturity level.
Bridging the Gap Between Ratings
When age ratings differ, as seen with A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, it serves as a signal for parents to exercise caution and delve deeper into the content. The mature themes present in both the book and show, including drug use, discussions of sexual assault, instances of self-harm, and violence, can be intense and potentially upsetting for younger or more sensitive viewers. Parents concerned about these topics are encouraged to watch the show themselves or read the book beforehand to make an informed decision. Co-viewing or reading with your teen can also provide opportunities for discussion and guidance.
Content Considerations: What Parents Need to Know
To further clarify the a good girl’s guide to murder age rating, let’s examine specific content aspects that may influence your decision.
Language
True to its teenage characters, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder features realistic dialogue, which includes profanity. While present in both the book and TV series, strong language is notably more frequent in the television adaptation. Parents sensitive to profanity should be aware of its presence.
Sex and Nudity
While nudity is not depicted on screen in the TV series, the book addresses the topic of coerced sending of nude photos. Teenage romance is present, characterized by making out in the series and descriptions of groping in the book. Underage sex is frequently mentioned as a plot element, though not explicitly shown.
Substance Use
Drugs and drug dealing are recurring themes throughout both the book and the TV show. The series visually depicts ketamine use. Underage drinking is frequent, and the date-rape drug Rohypnol plays a significant role in the storyline. The presence of substance use and its implications are important considerations for parents.
Violence
Unsurprisingly, given the murder mystery plot, violence is a significant element in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. This includes the central murder, discussions of suicide, instances of self-harm and self-induced vomiting, rape, and sexual assault. While the TV series tones down some of the graphic descriptions from the book, depicting violence such as a bloodied murder victim, the themes remain intense. Parents should be prepared for discussions about these sensitive topics.
Positive Messages within A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
Despite the mature content, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder also offers positive takeaways. The protagonist, Pip, embodies a strong role model through her relentless pursuit of justice for a wrongly accused individual. She demonstrates determination, critical thinking, and a willingness to learn and grow from her mistakes. These positive aspects can spark valuable conversations with teenagers about perseverance and standing up for what is right.
Making the Informed Choice for Your Teen
Ultimately, determining if A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is appropriate for your teen depends on your individual child’s maturity level, sensitivity to mature themes, and your family’s values. Understanding the a good girl’s guide to murder age rating and the content described above provides a solid foundation for making this decision.
Consider watching the series or reading the book yourself. Discuss your teen’s media consumption habits and be open to having conversations about the potentially challenging topics raised in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. Open communication and informed decisions are key to navigating media consumption with teenagers.
