Snakes and Ladders is a new Mexican dark comedy series premiering on Netflix on May 14, 2025. Created by Manolo Caro, the visionary behind The House of Flowers, this satirical dramedy explores how far one woman will go for power, status, and recognition.
The story follows Dora López, a modest and underestimated teacher at an elite school who finds herself thrust into a moral minefield after getting involved in a scandal between students.
Starring Cecilia Suárez, Juan Pablo Medina, Martiño Rivas, Marimar Vega, Benny Emmanuel, and Loreto Peralta, the series uses biting humor and uncomfortable truths to unravel themes of ambition, corruption, and self-deception in the pursuit of glory.
Snakes and Ladders Age Rating
Snakes and Ladders is rated TV-MA for sex, nudity, and language, signaling that it is intended for mature audiences. Here’s a breakdown of the content areas parents should be aware of:
Violence & Peril
The show includes scenes of verbal aggression, psychological manipulation, and emotional confrontations, particularly in competitive or corrupt school politics. There may be brief depictions of physical altercations or implied threats but nothing overly graphic.
Language
Expect frequent strong language, including profanity in both Spanish and subtitled English. Dialogues include insults, crude expressions, and harsh exchanges common to dark comedy and satirical dramas.
Sexual Content
It includes brief sexual scenes, suggestive dialogue, sexual innuendo, and moderate nudity. Also, scenes involving adult relationships. The show features themes of seduction, manipulation, and scenes with intimacy or characters in compromising situations.
Mature Themes
This series tackles corruption, social inequality, workplace rivalry, and the ethics of ambition. The dark tone may present morally complex situations, such as characters betraying others or bending ethical lines to gain status.
These nuanced themes make the series more appropriate for adults or older teens capable of discerning satire from reality.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
Characters are occasionally shown drinking at social or school events, and references to substance use or prescription drugs may appear. This behavior is portrayed as part of the elite lifestyle but is not central to the story.
Is Snakes and Ladders Suitable for Teens?
Ages 13–15: Not recommended. The mature content, layered satire, and ethical gray areas are likely to be confusing or inappropriate for younger teens. The show’s dark tone, occasional sexual content, and cynical worldview aren’t well-suited for this age group.
Ages 16–17: Recommended with caution. Mature teens with a taste for social commentary, political satire, or international dramas may appreciate the sharp writing and themes. Parents should be aware of strong language and occasional adult content.
Snakes and Ladders is ideal for older teens who can critically engage with its take on corruption, ambition, and social privilege, particularly in academic and professional settings.
What Parents Can Do
Watch the first episode together: Gauge how your teen responds to the tone and themes before proceeding.
Discuss ethical dilemmas: The show offers ample opportunity to talk about the cost of success, personal boundaries, and moral compromise.
Offer cultural context: For non-Spanish-speaking teens, this can be a gateway to discuss educational inequality and social class in different cultures.
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Snakes and Ladders?
A: The series is rated TV-MA on Netflix for mature themes, language, and suggestive content.
Q: Is Snakes and Ladders suitable for younger teens?
A: No. The show’s tone, language, and adult themes are more appropriate for viewers aged 16 and up.
Q: Does the show contain violence or graphic content?
A: There is minimal physical violence, but intense emotional and verbal conflict is central to the story.
Q: What makes the show dark comedy?
A: It uses satire, irony, and humor to critique power structures and human ambition, often in morally ambiguous ways.
Q: Is there any nudity or sexual content?
A: There may be implied intimacy, suggestive scenes, or characters in provocative situations, but no explicit nudity is confirmed.