The Apple TV+ series The Last Thing He Told Me starring Jennifer Garner and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau arrived on the streaming platform with plenty of mystery and suspense. Based on the popular novel by Laura Dave, the show follows a woman searching for answers after her husband suddenly disappears, leaving behind only a cryptic note telling her to protect his teenage daughter.
But if you are a parent considering watching this show with your kids or letting them watch it on their own, you might want to think twice. The series carries a TV-MA rating, which means it is specifically designed for adults and may not be suitable for children under 17 . Here is a detailed breakdown of why The Last Thing He Told Me is not appropriate for younger viewers.
The TV-MA Rating Explained: What Parents Need to Know
The TV-MA rating stands for Mature Audience Only. This rating indicates that a program contains content that is generally not suitable for people under 17 years old . In the United States, the show carries this specific rating, which is the television equivalent of an R-rated movie.
Looking at international ratings gives parents even more perspective on the mature nature of this content. In countries like Canada, Israel, Russia, Malaysia, and Thailand, the show is rated for viewers 18 and older only . The United Kingdom, Ireland, and Slovakia have set the age rating at 15, while countries including Germany, France, Spain, Brazil, and South Korea have set it at 12 . These varying but consistently high age ratings across the globe confirm that this series was never intended for young audiences.
Strong Language Throughout the Series
One of the most immediate concerns for parents is the frequent use of strong profanity in The Last Thing He Told Me. According to Common Sense Media’s detailed review, the dialogue includes lots of cursing, including multiple uses of “s–t” and “f–k” throughout the episodes .
This is not occasional mild language that parents might deem acceptable for teenagers. The profanity is consistent and woven into the tense conversations between characters, reflecting the stress and danger they face. For families who prefer to avoid programming with strong language, this series presents a significant issue.
Violence and Threatening Situations
The show creates tension through constant threats of danger. Even though it is not an action-packed thriller with graphic fight scenes, the psychological tension can be intense. Ominous voices, sounds, and background music create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty throughout the series .
There are multiple moments where the main characters, Hannah (Jennifer Garner) and her stepdaughter Bailey (Angourie Rice) , face potentially serious danger. The plot revolves around white collar crime, the sudden disappearance of a parent, and fears about the safety of family members . People are shown being arrested, and the constant threat of unknown pursuers creates sustained tension that could be disturbing for younger or more sensitive viewers.
Mature Themes and Subject Matter
The core themes of The Last Thing He Told Me deal with very adult subject matter. The story explores white collar crime, federal investigations, and the complete disappearance of a parent . These are not lightweight topics that children typically encounter or process easily.
The show also examines complicated family dynamics, including the difficulties of stepparenting and the complete loss of trust when you discover that someone you love has been hiding major secrets . Hannah and Bailey must work together to uncover the truth about Owen’s past, leading them down increasingly dark paths.
Reviews of the original book, which the series closely adapts, also note content warnings for kidnapping, murder, death of parents, stalking, and abandonment . These heavy themes carry over into the television adaptation and contribute to its mature rating.
Drinking and Adult Situations
Throughout the series, adults are shown engaging in social drinking. Wine and cocktails are visible in multiple scenes . This might seem minor compared to other content, but it adds to the overall adult atmosphere of the show.
There are also scenes of intimacy between married characters. Hannah and Owen are shown kissing or lying in bed together wearing pajamas . While not explicit, these moments reinforce that the show is aimed at adult viewers following an adult relationship.
Bailey’s Character and Teen Attitudes
The character of Bailey is a 16-year-old who initially has a difficult relationship with her stepmother. Some viewers have commented that her attitude comes across as disrespectful. One reviewer noted that Bailey speaks to adults with responses like “Whatever,” which they described as blatant disrespect that parents might not want younger children to mimic .
Book readers also pointed out that Bailey calls her father “father” throughout the story, which felt unnatural for a modern teenager . While these might seem like small details, they contribute to character portrayals that parents might find questionable for their own children to watch.
Why Children Under 12 Should Definitely Skip This Show
Looking at the international ratings provides clear guidance. Countries including Germany, France, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, and South Korea have all set the minimum viewing age at 12 years old . Some countries like Finland do not allow the show to be aired before 5:00 PM specifically because it is not recommended for children under 12 .
For children under 12, the combination of strong language, sustained tension, mature themes about crime and deception, and adult relationship dynamics makes this show completely unsuitable. Even children at the younger end of the 12-and-up range might find the constant atmosphere of danger and fear overwhelming or disturbing.
Teenagers 13-15: Proceed with Caution
For teenagers between 13 and 15, parents should use their judgment based on their individual child’s maturity level. Countries like Argentina rate it SAM 13 (suitable for ages 13 and up), while Australia gives it an M rating recommending mature audiences .
The show does offer some positive elements for mature teens. Themes include the importance of family, making sacrifices for those you love, and discovering the truth . The relationship between Hannah and Bailey evolves throughout the series, showing how two people who initially struggle to connect can eventually form a strong bond .
However, parents should be aware that one reviewer noted the book (and presumably the series) is not particularly diverse in its casting, with leads being White women and only some secondary characters being Black or Asian . An LGBTQ+ couple is featured, which might be a positive representation for some families .
What Mature Teenagers and Adults Might Appreciate
For viewers who are old enough to handle the mature content, The Last Thing He Told Me offers a slow-burn mystery that builds tension deliberately. The show uses flashbacks effectively to help audiences follow Hannah’s thought process as she pieces together clues about her husband’s past .
Jennifer Garner delivers a strong performance as a woman thrust into a terrifying situation, trying to protect a stepdaughter who doesn’t fully trust her. The dynamic between Garner and Angourie Rice forms the emotional core of the story.
Fans of the book have found the adaptation to be solid, and viewers who enjoy mysteries that focus more on character development and emotional complexity than on fast-paced action may find themselves immersed in the story .
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Final Thoughts for Parents
The Last Thing He Told Me is a well-crafted mystery with strong performances, but it was never designed for children. The TV-MA rating, strong language, sustained tension, and mature themes about crime, deception, and family secrets all point to this being an adult drama.
For parents looking for shows to watch with younger children, this is not the right choice. For those with mature teenagers who can handle intense subject matter and strong language, watching together might provide opportunities for discussion about trust, family relationships, and the consequences of keeping secrets.
The safest approach is to follow the guidance of the ratings systems: keep viewers under 12 away completely, and use careful judgment for those between 13 and 15. Adults looking for a tense mystery to watch alone or with other adults will find plenty to appreciate in this slow-burning series.
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