Long Story Short is a 2025 animated comedy series created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, the mind behind BoJack Horseman. The show features original art by Lisa Hanawalt and animation by ShadowMachine. It premieres on Netflix on August 22, 2025.
Unlike BoJack, which centered on an isolated celebrity, Long Story Short follows the Schwooper siblings — an ordinary family with realistic ups and downs. Using a time-jumping format, the series looks at how childhood experiences affect people as they grow. With its mix of heart and humor, it tells a very human story in animated form.
Long Story Short Age Rating
TV-14 – This rating is given for moderate language, mature themes, and emotional storytelling, making it better suited for older kids and teens. Below is a breakdown of what parents can expect:
Language
The series contains some mild to moderate swearing, including a few uses of strong language. It’s consistent with real-life family arguments or emotional scenes but not constant or excessive.
Mature Themes
The show tackles emotional topics such as sibling rivalry, growing apart from family, parental pressure, unresolved childhood memories, and identity. There’s no graphic content, but the emotional weight can be strong, especially in reflective or dramatic episodes.
It’s not a typical cartoon — it’s thoughtful and sometimes sad, with lots of realistic character moments that may feel intense for younger viewers.
Violence & Peril
There is no physical violence or action in the traditional sense. However, emotional tension and verbal conflicts between family members do occur. Some episodes include scenes of emotional distress, including characters dealing with regret or self-doubt.
Is Long Story Short Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Maybe, with caution. Some pre-teens may enjoy the humor and animation, but the themes might feel too mature or confusing. Parents should preview first and be ready to talk about what’s going on emotionally.
Ages 13–17: Yes. The show is smart, relatable, and thought-provoking for teens. It addresses growing up, making mistakes, and family relationships in a way that’s honest but not harsh. Teen viewers who enjoy character-driven stories will likely connect with it.
What Parents Can Do
Preview a Few Episodes First: Watch the first episode or two to get a feel for the show’s emotional tone and whether it’s right for your child.
Talk About Emotional Themes: The series offers great opportunities to talk about growing up, dealing with family change, and learning from the past. Teens may appreciate the chance to reflect on their own experiences.
Encourage Open Conversations: If your teen connects with certain characters or moments, be open to talking about why. The show handles feelings in a real, respectful way.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Long Story Short?
A: The show is rated TV-14 on Netflix for language and mature themes.
Q: Is Long Story Short appropriate for kids?
A: It’s best for teens aged 13 and up. Younger kids may not relate to or fully understand the emotional depth.
Q: Does the show have violence or scary scenes?
A: No physical violence or horror content. The focus is on emotional moments and family drama.
Q: Is there any sexual content or nudity?
A: No. The show stays within TV-14 guidelines and does not include sexual scenes or nudity.
Q: What makes Long Story Short different from BoJack Horseman?
A: While BoJack focused on one troubled character, this series looks at a family over time. It’s less dark and more grounded, though it still explores serious topics with humor and heart.