For parents wondering if the popular Netflix series My Life with the Walter Boys is suitable for their teenagers, this guide breaks down the content clearly. The show is a teen drama that mixes romance, family life, and the experience of grief, making it generally appropriate for teens, but with some elements parents may want to know about first.
The Show’s Story and Setting
My Life with the Walter Boys follows the story of Jackie Howard, a 15-year-old girl from New York City whose life is tragically upended when her parents and sister are killed in a car accident. She is forced to leave her old life behind and move to a ranch in rural Colorado. There, she moves in with her new guardian, her mother’s best friend Katherine Walter, and her massive, chaotic family. The Walter household includes Katherine, her husband George, their seven sons, one daughter, and two nephews.
The series charts Jackie’s journey as she navigates her profound grief while trying to fit into a new family, a new school, and a completely different way of life. A central plot point is the love triangle that develops between Jackie and two of the Walter brothers: the kind, bookish Alex and the troubled, former football star Cole. The show is based on a novel that was first published on the online platform Wattpad.
Age Rating and Why It’s TV-14
The series carries a TV-14 rating. This means the show is intended for viewers aged 14 and older. The rating is given for elements including language, suggestive dialogue, and thematic material involving grief and teenage relationships. Parental guidance is suggested for younger viewers.
Common Sense Media, a trusted resource for parents, suggests the show is appropriate for kids aged 13 and up. They note that while the show deals with mature themes, it does so in a way that is generally less intense than many other teen-oriented programs.
Romance and Sexual Content
Romantic relationships are a major focus of the storyline. Here is what to expect:
- Kissing and Flirting: There are frequent scenes of teenagers kissing and flirting.
- Suggestive Situations: The show includes some suggestive moments, such as a scene where a character is seen climbing out of a pool in slow motion. Another scene shows clothes on the floor, implying intimacy.
- Dialogue about Sex: Characters talk about “hooking up,” and there is gossip at school about which students have had sex. One of the main characters, Cole, has a reputation for having slept with many girls, a fact that is discussed by other characters.
- Inclusivity: The show includes other relationships, such as a gay character in a relationship with another boy. These relationships are presented as a natural part of the story.
It is important to note that while sex is a topic of conversation, there are no explicit sex scenes shown on camera. The most intimate moments are implied rather than directly depicted.
Language and Profanity
The language in the series is relatively mild, especially when compared to other teen shows. The most frequent instances include words like “hell” and “damn.” On a few occasions, a character begins to say a stronger swear word but is cut off before finishing it. This infrequent and mild use of language is a key reason for the TV-14 rating.
Emotional and Violent Content
The show begins with a tragic car accident that kills Jackie’s immediate family. This loss and Jackie’s subsequent grief are central themes throughout the first season. The accident itself is not shown; it is referred to in a news report and through Jackie’s memories.
In terms of physical violence, the tension between the brothers Cole and Alex sometimes leads to yelling matches and physical fistfights. These conflicts are driven by jealousy and past grievances. The show also deals with the emotional fallout of Cole’s identity crisis after a sports injury ends his football career, which leads him to engage in self-destructive behavior.
Positive Themes and Messages
Despite the dramatic storylines, the show explores several positive themes that can be valuable for teenage viewers.
- Resilience: Jackie’s entire character arc is about learning to live and love again after an unthinkable tragedy. Her strength in rebuilding her life is a powerful message.
- Family and Community: The series emphasizes the importance of family, both biological and chosen. The Walter family, despite its chaos, provides a supportive and loving environment for Jackie.
- Inclusivity: The show features a diverse cast that includes characters of color, a character who uses a wheelchair, and LGBTQ+ characters. This diversity is woven into the story in a way that feels natural and normalized.
How It Handles Teen Issues
The series touches on several issues relevant to teenagers in a generally responsible way.
- Grief and Trauma: The show does not treat Jackie’s trauma as a simple plot device. It shows her having both good and bad days, and it does not rush her healing process.
- Peer Pressure and Drinking: There are scenes of underage drinking at parties. However, the show does not glamorize this behavior. Instead, it often shows the negative consequences or presents it as a way characters try to cope with their problems.
- Academic Pressure: Jackie is a high-achieving student determined to get into Princeton, and the show explores the pressure she puts on herself, especially as a way to cope with her grief.
Parental Talking Points
The show provides several opportunities for parents to start conversations with their teens. You could talk about:
- How the show portrays dealing with loss and major life changes.
- The complexities of the love triangle and the importance of honesty in relationships.
- The difference between the dramatic conflicts on TV and how to handle disagreements in real life.
My Life with the Walter Boys is a teen drama that manages to keep its content relatively mild. For parents deciding whether it’s right for their family, the show offers a story about resilience and family that is likely suitable for most teenagers, particularly those 13 and older, especially if they are already watching other contemporary teen shows.
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