Motorheads is a new coming-of-age drama series that debuted on Prime Video on May 20, 2025. The series blends high-octane street racing action with family secrets and classic high school drama.
It’s not a musical or related to the band Motörhead—instead, it explores life, legacy, and identity in a struggling Rust Belt town.
Created as a YA drama, Motorheads centers around siblings Caitlyn (Melissa Collazo) and Zac Torres (Michael Cimino), who move with their mother, Samantha (Nathalie Kelley), to her hometown of Ironwood.
There, they reconnect with their estranged uncle Logan Maddox (Ryan Phillippe), a former NASCAR mechanic running a failing auto shop.
As they adapt to a new school and environment, they become caught up in Ironwood’s gritty street racing scene, while also confronting the dark legacy of their father’s mysterious disappearance 17 years earlier.
With themes of family, friendship, rebellion, and class struggles, the series is emotionally engaging and action-packed. It’s rated TV-14 (13+) and aimed at teen viewers, but how appropriate is it?
Motorheads Age Rating
Motorheads is rated 13+ by Prime Video for moderate language, stylized street racing violence, and teen-oriented themes. Here’s what parents should know:
Violence
There are intense racing sequences that include car crashes, risky maneuvers, and tense confrontations. Some episodes depict fistfights among teens, car sabotage, and threats. Flashbacks may hint at past criminal activity involving the characters’ father. The violence is not gratuitous but can be suspenseful and emotionally charged.
Language
The series features moderate use of foul language typical of a teen drama, including occasional use of the s-word and other mild expletives. Stronger profanity is rare or absent.
Sexual Content
There are romantic subplots and some suggestive scenes, including kissing and references to intimacy, typical of the high school drama genre. There is no nudity or explicit sexual content.
Substance Use
Alcohol use and teen partying are depicted in several episodes. Some scenes show adults or older teens drinking at garages or events.
A few instances of smoking (likely cigarettes) are present, mostly in background or character-defining moments.
Mature Themes
The show explores heavy topics such as legacy, guilt, betrayal, and social class divisions. The mystery surrounding the father’s criminal past adds an element of suspense and emotional weight. Themes of rebellion, teen identity, and systemic inequality also surface.
Is Motorheads Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not Recommended. Although not excessively graphic, the mature themes, street racing danger, and language make this show unsuitable for younger tweens. The emotional complexity and intensity may also be hard to grasp for pre-teens.
Ages 13–17: Suitable with Caution. This show is clearly designed for teens and fans of coming-of-age dramas. While older teens will connect with the emotional arcs and rebellious spirit, parents should be aware of the moderate language, occasional violence, and mature conversations. It’s best suited for viewers 14 and older who are ready for a grounded, edgy teen series.
What Parents Can Do
Preview Key Episodes: The first and last episodes especially include major developments in both the family mystery and street racing scenes.
Discuss Risky Behavior: Talk to teens about real-life consequences of dangerous driving, alcohol use, and peer pressure.
Encourage Critical Thinking: Use the characters’ decisions and family dynamics as springboards for discussions about loyalty, forgiveness, and personal responsibility.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Motorheads?
A: The series is rated 13+ on Prime Video for moderate language, action sequences, and mature themes.
Q: Is Motorheads appropriate for middle schoolers?
A: No, it’s not ideal for viewers under 13 due to violence, risky behavior, and mature plotlines.
Q: Does Motorheads include graphic violence?
A: No, but it does feature stylized street racing danger, fights, and car crashes.
Q: Is there nudity or explicit sex in the series?
A: No. There are romantic subplots and kissing, but nothing explicit or graphic.
Q: Where can I watch Motorheads?
A: The series is streaming exclusively on Prime Video starting May 20, 2025.