Badly in Love (2025) is a Japanese reality dating series. It is produced by MEGUMI and filmed in Japan. The show brings together eleven self-described “yankii” — former juvenile delinquents — who live at the remote Badly in Love Academy for 14 days.
Over ten episodes released in batches on Netflix, the participants face clashes, therapy-style tasks, and an emotional graduation where they confess their feelings. The series premieres on Netflix on December 9, 2025 and streams worldwide on the platform.
Badly in Love Age Rating
Netflix lists Badly in Love with a TV-14 rating. This rating is used to alert parents that the content is significantly more intense and mature than standard reality television.
This rating means “Parents Strongly Cautioned” and that some material may be unsuitable for children under 14. The reasons for this specific rating stem directly from the show’s unique and volatile premise, which centers on individuals with rebellious, “delinquent” pasts.
Violence & Peril
Physical violence is reportedly forbidden on set, but the show features frequent, heated confrontations and aggressive posturing. Many scenes show shouting, crowd tension, and fights that stay largely verbal or emotionally volatile. These moments can be distressing; the risk is the intensity and realism of fights rather than gore.
Language
It shows strong, unfiltered language and harsh insults during arguments. Expect recurring profanity and raw, adult exchanges meant to reflect the participants’ blunt personalities. Slurs or highly derogatory language may appear in heated moments.
Mature Themes
Badly in Love explores heavy themes: trauma, pride, gang-linked pasts, loyalty, identity, and redemption. Participants drink and smoke in social scenes and discuss adult relationships and sexuality in frank terms. The show frequently foregrounds emotional wounds, humiliation, and public confessions — content that can be heavy for younger teens.
Is Badly in Love Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The show’s verbal aggression, adult social drinking, frank talk about past violence, and emotionally intense confrontations are inappropriate for preteens. The public confessions and group shaming scenes may be upsetting.
Ages 13–15: With guidance (caution). Mature teens may handle the show but will likely need parental context. The blunt language, drinking scenes, and discussion of delinquent pasts are intense. Parents should watch first and be ready to explain the difference between entertainment and healthy relationships.
Ages 16–17: With guidance (recommended). Older teens better grasp context and nuance and can benefit from post-viewing conversations about emotional health, peer pressure, and respect. Sensitive viewers in this group may still find some confrontations distressing.
Final recommendation: Netflix’s maturity marker is roughly TV-14, but parents should treat Badly in Love as leaning older than a typical teen dating show — many families will prefer waiting until mid-teens (15–16+), depending on maturity and sensitivity.
What Parents Can Do
Pre-screen at least the first episode. Spot check for language and confrontational scenes so you can judge tone and intensity before sharing it with a teen.
Prepare a short debrief. Talk about emotional manipulation, consent, and healthy conflict resolution if your teen watches the show.
Use teachable moments. If the show glamorizes risky behavior (drinking, boastful aggression), discuss real-world consequences and respectful dating.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Badly in Love?
A: Netflix lists the show with a maturity marker equivalent to about TV-14. Parents should note the show includes intense emotional conflict.
Q: Is Badly in Love appropriate for kids or younger teens?
A: No for kids under 13. Younger teens may find the conflict and adult themes upsetting; parental guidance is recommended for older teens.
Q: Are there violent or scary scenes?
A: The show avoids graphic violence but contains frequent heated fights and aggressive confrontations that are emotionally intense.
Q: How explicit is the language or sexual content?
A: Language is strong and unfiltered at times. Sexual content is conversational and suggestive rather than explicit, but drinking and sexual talk are common.
Q: Where and when can I watch it?
A: Badly in Love streams on Netflix. The first batch premieres December 9, 2025, with episodes released across December.
Q: Who hosts or appears on the show?
A: Promotional material lists MEGUMI as producer/emcee, with AK-69 and Nagano also featured; the cast is composed of 11 former yankii participants.