Dan Levy is basically the patron saint of "kindness with a side of side-eye," but if you’re wondering if his latest Netflix projects are safe for a family movie night, the short answer is: probably not unless your kids are already navigating the messy world of high school and existential dread. While we all fell in love with him as David Rose, his newer work is leaning much harder into the "adult" side of adulting, trading the quirky town of Schitt's Creek for some pretty heavy explorations of grief, relationships, and the kind of "big mistakes" we usually try to keep our kids from making.
TL;DR: Dan Levy’s work ranges from the heartwarming (but mature) Schitt’s Creek to the heavy emotional themes of Good Grief. While he is a champion of LGBTQ+ representation, most of his scripted projects are best reserved for ages 14+ due to language, sexual themes, and complex emotional content. For a safer family watch, stick to his reality competition The Big Brunch.
If you’ve been living under a rock (or just busy raising humans), Dan Levy is the co-creator and star of Schitt’s Creek. He became a digital culture icon for his expressive eyebrows, incredible sweaters, and for creating a "pansexual" character that helped a lot of families have better conversations about identity.
But in 2026, Dan has moved into a new phase of his career. He’s no longer just the guy saying "Ew, David." He’s a powerhouse producer and director at Netflix, and he’s using that platform to tell stories that are a bit darker, a bit moodier, and definitely more "R-rated" in their emotional honesty.
Parents tend to love Dan Levy because his work feels deeply human. Even when characters are being ridiculous, there’s a core of empathy that’s hard to find in "brain rot" content. He doesn't do cheap laughs; he does character-driven humor.
Kids and teens are drawn to him because he is culturally fluent. He understands meme culture, he’s a fashion icon, and he represents a version of "cool" that is inclusive and kind rather than exclusionary. If your teen is suddenly asking to watch a movie about "a guy dealing with a mid-life crisis in London," it’s probably because Dan Levy is the lead.
Navigating his filmography requires a bit of a roadmap, because the "vibe" changes drastically depending on what you click on.
The Verdict: Ages 14+ This is the gold standard. It’s hilarious, it’s touching, and it’s a masterclass in character growth. However, it’s rated TV-MA for a reason. There is plenty of swearing (mostly from Moira and David) and a lot of frank discussion about sex and relationships. It’s a great "bridge" show to watch with your older teens, but maybe not the one to put on while the 8-year-old is in the room.
The Verdict: Ages 15+ This was Dan’s big directorial debut on Netflix, and it’s a heavy one. It deals with the death of a spouse, infidelity, and the messy ways friends support (and fail) each other. It’s a beautiful film, but it’s slow-paced and emotionally taxing. According to Rotten Tomatoes, it’s a "sensitive exploration of loss," which is code for "bring the tissues and expect your kids to be bored unless they are really into indie dramas."
The Verdict: Ages 10+ If you want the "Nice Dan Levy" experience with the whole family, this is it. It’s a cooking competition that focuses on people doing good in their communities. It’s wholesome, the food looks amazing, and while there’s some "cocktail hour" talk, it’s much safer for younger viewers than his scripted work.
The Verdict: Ages 12+ Dan plays the "best friend" role here, and he’s the highlight of the movie. It’s a holiday rom-com that deals with coming out to a conservative family. It’s a great conversation starter for middle schoolers about honesty and acceptance.
Lately, Dan has been leaning into what critics are calling "Dark Comedy." His latest projects often feature characters who are, frankly, kind of a mess. They make "big mistakes"—they lie to their partners, they struggle with their careers, and they use sarcasm as a shield.
For intentional parents, this is actually a good thing to watch with older teens. Why? Because it shows that adults don't have it all figured out. It moves away from the "perfect influencer" life and shows the consequences of being impulsive or selfish. It’s the opposite of "brain rot"; it’s actually "brain food" for emotional intelligence.
If you decide to dive into a Dan Levy project with your teen, here are a few ways to turn it into a connection point:
- On Identity: "David Rose’s 'wine not the label' speech is famous. How do people at your school talk about identity and labels these days?"
- On Grief: (After watching Good Grief): "The characters in this movie all handled sadness differently. Who do you think had the healthiest way of dealing with it?"
- On Kindness: "Dan Levy says he wanted to create a world where homophobia didn't exist in Schitt’s Creek. How does that change the 'vibe' of the show compared to other sitcoms?"
The biggest "watch out" with Dan Levy’s content isn't violence or "scary" stuff—it's the sophistication of the themes. He writes for adults. Even though he’s funny and charming, the situations his characters find themselves in are often deeply adult (think: navigating open relationships, career failure, or the death of a parent).
If you’re looking for something the kids can watch while you cook dinner, stick to The Big Brunch. If you’re looking for a Friday night "deep dive" with your 16-year-old who is obsessed with theater and fashion, his Netflix catalog is a goldmine.
Q: Is Schitt's Creek appropriate for a 10-year-old?
Probably not. While the "Ew, David" memes are everywhere, the show contains significant profanity and mature sexual discussions that most 10-year-olds won't have the context for. Screenwise recommends waiting until age 13 or 14.
Q: What are the content warnings for Dan Levy's movie Good Grief?
The movie is rated R for language. Beyond the swearing, it deals heavily with the sudden death of a partner and themes of infidelity, which can be very intense for younger viewers or those who have recently experienced loss.
Q: Is Dan Levy's content considered "brain rot"?
Absolutely not. Unlike some low-effort YouTube or TikTok trends, Dan Levy’s work is highly scripted, emotionally complex, and focused on themes of empathy and personal growth. It’s high-quality media that encourages thinking rather than zoning out.
Q: What's the best Dan Levy show for a family with mixed ages?
The Big Brunch is your best bet. It’s a competition show with a heart of gold, and while it’s aimed at adults, it’s clean enough and engaging enough for kids as young as 9 or 10.
Dan Levy is a rare talent who managed to become a household name by being unapologetically himself. Whether he’s making us laugh or making us cry about a "big mistake" on Netflix, his work is almost always rooted in a search for connection.
Just remember: just because he’s "the guy from the funny memes" doesn't mean his movies are for kids. Check the ratings, know your kid's emotional maturity, and maybe watch Good Grief yourself before you decide to make it a family night feature.
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Check out our guide on navigating heavy themes in media