By now, you know the drill: Jack Reacher is a 6’5” absolute unit of an ex-military investigator who wanders the country with nothing but a toothbrush and a thirst for frontier justice.

Season 4 takes him out of the rural backroads and drops him into the middle of New York City. The plot involves a series of "accidental" deaths on the L train that Reacher quickly identifies as a high-level cleanup operation. Because it’s 2026 and every show needs an "event" hook, this season features a much-hyped, 12-minute unbroken fight sequence in a stalled subway car that is, frankly, a masterclass in stunt coordination and a nightmare for anyone squeamish about blood.

For a long time, Reacher was considered the ultimate "Dad Show." But over the last two years, Alan Ritchson has become a massive figure in digital culture. Between the "gigachad" memes and the relentless clips of Reacher outsmarting bullies circulating on TikTok and Reels, your teen has almost certainly seen him.

There’s a specific "competence" vibe here that really resonates with Gen Z. In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and out of control, there is something deeply satisfying about a character who is the smartest and strongest person in every room, who doesn't use a smartphone, and who settles every problem with clear-cut (if brutal) logic.

Ask our chatbot about why "competence porn" shows are trending with teens

Season 4 doesn't just have more fights; it has more intimate violence. Previous seasons had their share of shootouts and explosions, but the NYC setting forces Reacher into close quarters. We’re talking about improvised weapons, broken limbs with audible sound effects, and a level of gore that feels closer to a slasher movie than a police procedural. If your kid was bothered by the "circular saw" vibes of earlier seasons, they should probably sit this one out.

The "F-bomb" count is high, but it’s mostly used for emphasis during high-stress moments. What’s more notable is the cynical tone. The villains this season aren't just greedy; they’re nihilistic. There’s a plot point involving the exploitation of the city’s unhoused population that might lead to some heavy dinner-table conversations.

Compared to most TV-MA dramas, Reacher is actually fairly tame in this department. There are usually one or two consensual, relatively brief scenes per season. Season 4 follows this pattern—it’s much more interested in how Reacher can throw a man through a plate-glass window than it is in his love life.

No. While it’s an action show, it’s not "brain rot" in the way we talk about mindless, sensory-overload content. Reacher is fundamentally a detective story. He uses math, physics, and keen observation to solve puzzles. It actually encourages a level of deductive reasoning that’s missing from a lot of standard "superhero" fare.

Learn more about the difference between high-quality action and brain rot

If you decide to let your teen watch, or if they’ve already binged it behind your back (let’s be real, it happens), here are a few ways to turn the show into a conversation rather than just background noise:

If you’ve watched the first episode of Season 4 and thought, "Absolutely not," you aren't alone. It’s a lot. Here are some pivots that offer similar "smart hero" vibes with significantly less trauma:

If they like the "detective in a dark city" vibe, this is the gold standard. It’s PG-13, atmospheric, and focuses heavily on the "world’s greatest detective" aspect rather than just the "punching" aspect.

An oldie but a goodie. It’s a "Blue Skies" era show about a burned spy. It’s much lighter, very clever, and features a hero who explains how he’s doing what he’s doing. It’s like Reacher but with more sunshine and fewer snapped necks.

If they want the action and the "guy who can handle himself" trope, the Uncharted series on PlayStation/PC is fantastic. It’s cinematic, funny, and while there’s combat, it feels like an Indiana Jones adventure rather than a gritty crime drama.

Check out our guide to the best action games for teens

Reacher Season 4 is a well-oiled machine. It knows exactly what it is: a high-octane, brutal, and incredibly smart thriller.

For teens 16 and up, it’s likely fine, provided they aren't particularly sensitive to realistic violence. For younger teens (13-15), I’d suggest a "co-watch" approach for the first two episodes. The subway fight in episode three is the "litmus test"—if they (or you) find it gratuitous, it’s time to switch over to The Night Agent.