Most Wanted: Teen Hacker (2025) is a U.S./Finland true-crime docuseries. It is directed by Sami Kieksi and written by Sami Kieksi and Joni Soila.
The series features interviews with Brian Krebs, Mikko Hyppönen, Allison Nixon, Aleksanteri “Julius” Kivimäki, and Joe Tidy.
The show follows the hunt for a Finnish teen hacker and the fallout of his cybercrimes, told by investigators, victims, and experts. It is based on real events. The four-part series premiered September 5, 2025 on HBO Max/Max.
Most Wanted: Teen Hacker Age Rating
Most Wanted: Teen Hacker is rated TV-MA (Mature Audiences). Expect mature thematic material around cybercrime, some strong language, and detailed accounts of harassment, swatting incidents, and extortion. It is a four-episode docuseries.
Violence & Peril
No graphic violence is shown. However, the show covers real-world danger linked to swatting, police responses, and a forced plane emergency landing mentioned in the case history. Tension is sustained in interviews, chats, and archival clips that discuss threats and raids.
Language
Interviews, archival materials, and re-created online exchanges at times include strong language. The tone can be heated during descriptions of crimes and harassment.
Mature Themes
Themes include hacking, doxxing, privacy invasion, extortion, and the leak of sensitive mental-health records tied to a psychotherapy clinic breach. The emotional distress of victims is discussed. No sexual content or nudity is indicated in official materials.
Is Most Wanted: Teen Hacker Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The topics are heavy and may be frightening due to real-life threats.
Ages 13–15: With Guidance. Mature teens interested in tech or true crime may watch with an adult. Discuss online safety and the legal stakes.
Ages 16–17: Yes, with context. The series is informative but intense. A post-episode talk is recommended.
Final recommendation: Best for 16+ due to TV-MA themes and stressful real-world scenarios.
What Parents Can Do
Preview key moments. Watch episode 1 first to judge your teen’s comfort with swatting and threat descriptions.
Discuss digital ethics. Cover doxxing, data privacy, and how online actions can cause offline harm. Use the psychotherapy clinic breach as a teachable case.
Set safety takeaways. Review strong passwords, 2FA, and why sharing personal info publicly can be risky.
Official Trailer
FAQs
1) What is the official age rating?
TV-MA for mature thematic content and some strong language tied to cybercrime and harassment.
2) Is it appropriate for kids or younger teens?
Not for kids. Teens under 16 may find the real-life threats and swatting content distressing.
3) How intense are the violent or scary scenes?
No gore, but the show covers swatting, police raids, and a plane’s emergency landing, which can be unsettling.
4) How much strong language is there?
Archival chats and interviews include strong language at times, in line with the TV-MA label.
5) Is there sexual content or nudity?
No sexual content or nudity is indicated in official materials and platform listings.
6) Where can I watch it?
Streaming on HBO Max (Max). It’s also available via the Max add-on in Hulu. Premiere date was September 5, 2025.