Season 2 of Criminal Record is every bit as intense and morally murky as the first, making it a must-watch for fans of high-stakes British drama—but it’s definitely not something to keep on in the background while the kids are around. This is a show that earns its TV-MA rating through a relentless exploration of systemic corruption, racism, and the kind of psychological warfare that makes "prestige TV" feel like a full-contact sport.
TL;DR: Criminal Record is a gritty, TV-MA crime thriller on Apple TV+ that tackles heavy themes like institutional racism and police misconduct. While it’s a masterclass in acting and tension for adults, the graphic crime scenes and dark tone are too much for most kids; for a family-friendly mystery, try Enola Holmes or The Mysterious Benedict Society instead.
If you missed the first season, Criminal Record is a London-based police procedural that feels less like a "cop show" and more like a political thriller. It centers on the clash between two detectives: DS June Lenker, a young woman trying to do the right thing in a broken system, and DCI Daniel Hegarty, a well-connected veteran who may or may not be protecting a legacy of lies.
Season 2 picks up the pieces of their fractured relationship, throwing them into a new case that forces them to navigate the dark underbelly of the city. It’s not about "bad guys" and "good guys" in the traditional sense. It’s about how the institutions we trust can be weaponized against the people they’re supposed to protect. It’s the kind of show that stays with you long after the credits roll, mostly because it refuses to give you easy answers.
We talk a lot about "brain rot" content like Skibidi Toilet or the endless loop of Roblox "tycoon" games, but as parents, we also need to be intentional about our own media consumption and how it bleeds into the household.
Criminal Record is "heavy" media. It’s the opposite of "cozy TV." It deals with:
- Systemic Failure: The show doesn't shy away from how race and class influence the justice system.
- Institutional Corruption: It asks hard questions about whether a system can be fixed from the inside.
- High-Stakes Tension: The atmosphere is thick with dread, which can be surprisingly stressful if you're already on edge from a long day of parenting.
According to Screenwise data, about 15% of parents report that they accidentally expose their children to mature content simply by "second-screen" viewing—watching a show on a tablet while the kids are playing nearby. Criminal Record is a "headphones only" or "after bedtime" show. The dialogue is fast-paced, British, and often laden with jargon and profanity that younger ears will pick up instantly.
If you're deciding whether to let your older teen watch this with you, here is the No-BS breakdown of what to expect:
Violence and Gore
The show focuses more on the aftermath of violence and the psychological toll it takes, but when the violence happens, it's visceral. Season 2 features realistic depictions of crime scenes, domestic altercations, and police tactical raids. It’s not "action movie" violence; it’s "this could happen on your street" violence, which is often more disturbing for kids.
Language
The "MA" rating is heavily supported by the dialogue. Expect frequent use of the F-word and other strong profanities. In the context of a gritty London precinct, it feels authentic, but it’s constant.
Mature Themes
This is the core of the show. It explores:
- Racism: Both overt and the more insidious, "polite" institutional kind.
- Misogyny: June Lenker faces significant pushback as a woman in a male-dominated field.
- Betrayal: The plot thrives on characters lying to one another, which can be a lot for a younger viewer to untangle.
If the gritty realism of Criminal Record feels like a bit much for family night, there are plenty of ways to scratch that "mystery" itch without the trauma:
- For the Junior Detectives (Ages 8-12): The Mysterious Benedict Society on Disney+ offers great puzzles and a sense of "kids vs. the system" without the R-rated grit.
- For the Teen Mystery Fans (Ages 13+): Sherlock is a classic for a reason. It’s intense and smart but stays within a more manageable TV-14 range.
- For the "Whodunit" Lovers: Knives Out and its sequel Glass Onion are masterclasses in plotting that are generally safe for the 12+ crowd.
- For a Lighter British Vibe: If you want the London setting without the systemic despair, Slow Horses (also on Apple TV+) is excellent. It’s still TV-MA for language and some violence, but it has a dark sense of humor that makes it feel less heavy than Criminal Record.
If you do decide to watch this with an older teen (16+), it’s a goldmine for deep conversations. Don’t just let the credits roll; use it as a jumping-off point:
- Institutional Trust: "In the show, June and Hegarty have very different ideas about what 'justice' looks like. Who do you think is right? Is there a middle ground?"
- The Power of Narrative: "How does the media in the show change the way people view the crime? How do we see that happening in real life?"
- Persistence: June Lenker is often the only person in the room fighting for the truth. "What does it cost her to be the 'intentional' one in a system that wants her to just follow the rules?"
Q: Is Criminal Record Season 2 okay for a 13-year-old?
Probably not. While every kid is different, the themes of systemic racism, corruption, and the intense, gritty tone are designed for an adult audience. Screenwise generally recommends this show for viewers 16 and up.
Q: Do I need to watch Season 1 before starting Season 2?
Yes, absolutely. The tension between the two leads is built entirely on the events of the first season. You’ll be lost—and miss out on the best parts of the character development—if you skip ahead.
Q: How does Criminal Record compare to other Apple TV+ shows?
It’s much darker than Ted Lasso or The Morning Show. It’s closer in tone to Severance in terms of its "prestige" feel and slow-burn tension, but it's grounded in a very harsh reality rather than sci-fi.
Q: Are there jump scares in Criminal Record?
Not really. It’s a psychological and procedural thriller, so the "scares" come from the tension and the realization of how deep the corruption goes, rather than things jumping out of closets.
Criminal Record Season 2 is a triumph of modern television, but it’s "adult" in the truest sense of the word. It deals with complex, uncomfortable truths about our world. For intentional parents, it’s a great pick for your personal "me time" viewing, but keep the Bluey or Stardew Valley ready for when the kids wake up.
If you're looking to dive deeper into how to manage the "mature" content that sneaks into your house, check out our guide on setting up Apple TV parental controls.
- Check the Rating: Double-check your profile settings on Apple TV+ to ensure the kids can't accidentally click into your "Continue Watching" queue.
- Watch Season 1 First: If you haven't seen it, start there. It's essential.
- Plan a Debrief: If you watch with a teen, plan to grab a milkshake or go for a walk afterward to process the heavy themes. It’s a lot to take in alone.