Friends Like These: The Murder of Skylar Neese (2026) is an American true-crime documentary series. The three-part series is directed by Clair Titley and explores one of the most shocking teen murder cases in recent history. The story centers on the 2012 disappearance and murder of 16-year-old Skylar Neese from Star City, West Virginia. Through interviews, social media archives, and family accounts, the series reconstructs how a close friendship turned deadly. The docuseries premiered on March 6, 2026, and streams exclusively on Hulu.
The series examines Skylar’s close bond with her two best friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf. What began as typical teenage tension slowly became something far darker. The girls lured Skylar out late at night and drove her to a remote wooded area. There, in a premeditated attack, they killed her. The documentary also explores how social media posts and text messages revealed warning signs before the crime.
Friends Like These: The Murder of Skylar Neese Age Rating
Friends Like These: The Murder of Skylar Neese is rated TV-MA (Mature Audiences Only) due to graphic descriptions of violence, strong language, drug references, and disturbing thematic material. This rating means the series is intended for adults and may be unsuitable for viewers under 17. The content includes detailed discussions of a real-life murder, emotional interviews with grieving family members, and uncensored digital messages containing profanity. The overall tone is intense and emotionally heavy throughout all three episodes.
Violence & Peril
The violence level is strong. Although the murder is not visually reenacted in a graphic way, the series includes detailed verbal descriptions of the stabbing. It explains that the victim was stabbed multiple times in a preplanned attack. There are also discussions about how the body was hidden in a wooded area. The emotional impact is severe because the crime involved close friends.
Language
Strong language appears frequently. The series uses real text messages, tweets, and recorded statements. This includes uncensored profanity and crude terms written by the teens. Some insults and harsh language are shown exactly as posted online. The tone reflects unfiltered teenage communication.
Mature Themes
The series explores disturbing themes including betrayal, manipulation, peer pressure, and teenage mental health. Drug use is referenced, as the teens used marijuana the night of the crime. Grief and trauma are central themes, especially in interviews with Skylar’s parents. The documentary also touches on social media influence and emotional instability. There is no sexual content or nudity, but the emotional weight is intense.
Is Friends Like These: The Murder of Skylar Neese Suitable for Teens?
Ages 16–17: With Strong Guidance. Mature teens who already watch true crime may handle the content, but it is emotionally disturbing. Parents should be prepared to discuss the themes afterward.
Ages 13–15: No. The violent details and psychological weight are too intense for younger teens. The real-life betrayal may be especially upsetting.
Under 13: Not Appropriate. The subject matter is deeply disturbing and unsuitable for children.
Overall, this series is best suited for adults 18 and older.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch the series first to understand its tone and emotional impact before allowing teens to view it.
- Talk with teens about healthy friendships, online behavior, and warning signs of toxic relationships.
- Discuss the real-life consequences of peer pressure, substance use, and social media conflicts.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Friends Like These: The Murder of Skylar Neese?
A: The series is rated TV-MA for graphic violence descriptions, strong language, and mature themes.
Q: Is Friends Like These suitable for teens?
A: It may be appropriate for older teens with parental guidance, but it is not recommended for younger viewers.
Q: Does the series show graphic violence?
A: The murder is not visually graphic, but the verbal descriptions are detailed and disturbing.
Q: Is there strong language in the docuseries?
A: Yes, there is frequent uncensored profanity taken from real text messages and social media posts.
Q: Is there any sexual content or nudity?
A: No, there is no sexual content or nudity, but there are references to teenage drug use.
Q: Where can I watch Friends Like These: The Murder of Skylar Neese?
A: The series streams exclusively on Hulu.