So, you’re thinking about hitting play on Young Royals. Maybe you’ve seen the edits on TikTok or heard your friends obsessing over Prince Wilhelm and Simon. But then you see that little tag in the corner of the Netflix screen. It says TV-MA or 15, and now you're wondering if it's actually "too much" for you—or if you're a parent, for your kid. Honestly, the young royals age rating is one of those things that looks a bit scarier on paper than it actually is when you’re watching the show.
It’s a Swedish drama. And if there’s one thing European shows do differently than American ones, it’s how they treat teenagers. They don’t use 28-year-olds with perfect skin to play 16-year-olds. They use actual teens with actual acne. Because of that realism, the heavy stuff feels a bit heavier.
Why is the Young Royals age rating so high?
In the United States, Netflix slapped a TV-MA rating on it. In the UK, the BBFC gave it a 15. This usually means the show contains things like "mature themes," "sexual content," and "strong language."
But let’s be real. If you’ve seen Euphoria or Elite, Young Royals feels like a cozy Sunday morning in comparison. It isn't trying to be edgy for the sake of being edgy. The rating mostly comes down to a few specific things that the rating boards have to check off their lists.
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- The "Spicy" Scenes: There is sex. It’s not graphic in a "Game of Thrones" way, but it’s definitely there. You’ll see heavy kissing, some shirtless scenes, and implied intimacy. Season 3 has one particular scene in a choir room that had the fandom in a total frenzy, but even then, it’s more about the emotion than being "pornographic."
- The Language: They swear. A lot. Especially when things go wrong at Hillerska (the fancy boarding school). You’ll hear the F-word frequently. If you’re watching the English dub, it might feel a bit more aggressive, but in the original Swedish, it just sounds like... well, how teenagers talk when they're stressed.
- Drug and Alcohol Use: There’s a plotline involving non-prescription pills (specifically ADHD medication) being sold and used. There’s also the typical "rich kids at a party" drinking.
- Heavy Themes: This is the big one. The show deals with leaked private videos (non-consensual), grief, classism, and the massive pressure of the monarchy. It gets dark.
Is it okay for a 13 or 14-year-old?
This is the million-dollar question. Common Sense Media and various parent blogs often suggest 14 or 15+.
Honestly? It depends on the kid. If they’ve seen Heartstopper, they’ll find this much more intense. Heartstopper is like a warm hug; Young Royals is like a cold splash of water in the face. It’s a drama, not a rom-com.
Many 13-year-olds are more than mature enough to handle it. The "violence" is pretty minimal—mostly just a few scuffles or a rough initiation ritual—so that’s rarely the dealbreaker. The real "risk" is just the emotional weight of the story. It’s complicated. Characters aren’t just "good" or "bad." August, the "villain," is a mess of insecurities. Wilhelm is often his own worst enemy.
International Rating Breakdown
Different countries look at things through different lenses. It's kinda funny how much they vary:
- United Kingdom: 15 (for strong language and sex).
- Sweden: 12+ (they’re much more chill about "natural" nudity and teen themes).
- United States: TV-MA (basically "don't watch this if you're under 17," though most 15-year-olds do).
- Spain/France: Usually 12+ or 16+ depending on the season.
What parents actually need to know
If you’re a parent, don’t just look at the young royals age rating and ban it. There are actually some really good reasons to let a mature teen watch it.
The show handles things like neurodiversity (Sara has ADHD and Asperger’s) and LGBTQ+ identity with incredible grace. It doesn't treat being gay as a "tragedy," even if the royal aspect makes it a "problem" for the crown. It shows the consequences of social media and why "revenge porn" or leaking videos is devastatingly illegal and immoral.
Watch out for:
- Self-harm/Eating disorders: There are subtle mentions and depictions of body image issues and disordered eating habits, particularly with August.
- Grief: A major character dies early on, and the ripple effects of that mourning last through all three seasons. It’s sad. Like, "keep a box of tissues nearby" sad.
The "Realism" Factor
One reason the rating feels justified to some is the "leaked video" plotline in Season 1. It’s the central conflict of the series. Seeing a young person’s private moments broadcast to the world is traumatic. The show doesn’t shy away from how that destroys a person’s sense of safety.
Because the actors—Edvin Ryding and Omar Rudberg—look like actual kids, these moments feel more "real" than when they happen to a 25-year-old actress in a Hollywood movie. That realism is the show's superpower, but it's also why the young royals age rating stays on the higher side.
Final Verdict on the Age Rating
Basically, if you can handle a few F-bombs and some realistic (but not gratuitous) intimacy, you're fine. If you’re 15, you’re the target audience. If you’re 13, you might want to check with your parents or maybe skip a couple of the "steamiest" scenes if they make you uncomfortable.
For those looking for a safe way to start, Season 1 is probably the most "teen-friendly" in terms of content. Season 3 ramps up the emotional stakes and the "spiciness" a bit more as the characters get older.
Next Steps for Viewers and Parents:
- Check the specific episode tags: Netflix usually lists why an episode is rated MA (e.g., "Language, Smoking, Sex"). Some episodes are much milder than others.
- Watch the first episode together: If you're a parent, the first 45 minutes will give you a very clear idea of the "vibe."
- Use the original audio: The Swedish performances are much more nuanced than the English dub, which can sometimes make the dialogue feel cruder than it was intended.
The show is a masterpiece of modern teen television. It’s raw, it’s honest, and yes, it’s a little bit "mature." But it’s also one of the most important stories about identity and duty streaming right now. Just keep those content warnings in mind, and you’ll be fine.