A Deadly American Marriage is a true crime documentary set to premiere on Netflix on May 9, 2025. Directed by Jessica Burgess and Jenny Popplewell, the documentary revisits the complex, tragic story of Jason Corbett, an Irish widower who moved to North Carolina with his two children after the death of his first wife.
He remarried Molly Martens, the American au pair who once cared for his children, but their seemingly idyllic life unraveled in shocking violence.
On August 2, 2015, Jason was found dead from blunt-force trauma inside their home. The series dives into the events leading up to his death, the controversial 911 call made by Molly’s father, Thomas Martens, and the investigation that followed.
With testimony from Jason’s children, interviews with investigators and prosecutors, and insights from Molly and Thomas themselves, A Deadly American Marriage offers an unflinching look at a case filled with conflicting stories, family betrayal, and heartbreaking legal twists.
The documentary aims to shed light on the tragic consequences of domestic strife and the challenges of discerning truth when lives — and legacies — are at stake.
A Deadly American Marriage Age Rating
A Deadly American Marriage is rated TV-MA for strong themes of domestic violence, mature subject matter, and disturbing content. The TV-MA rating signifies that this documentary is intended for mature audiences only and may not be suitable for viewers under 17. Here’s a detailed content breakdown for parents:
Violence & Peril
The documentary features detailed discussions of Jason Corbett’s murder, including descriptions of blunt-force trauma and the use of a baseball bat as a weapon. Crime scene investigations, autopsy findings, and courtroom footage are included, though no graphic real footage of the violence is shown. Reenactments, dramatizations, and interviews recount violent incidents, which may be upsetting for younger viewers.
Language
Viewers can expect occasional use of strong language, particularly during emotional interviews and courtroom testimonies. Words such as “damn,” “hell,” and stronger expletives may appear, though they are not the documentary’s focus.
Sexual Content
There is no sexual content or nudity depicted in the documentary. References to marriage, relationships, and family dynamics are present but discussed within the context of the true crime story.
Mature Themes
A Deadly American Marriage tackles mature themes such as domestic violence, emotional abuse, child manipulation, betrayal, and murder. The documentary also explores the emotional trauma experienced by Jason’s children and the psychological aftermath of the crime. Themes of legal battles, parental alienation, and justice system complexities are heavily featured, making the subject matter intense and emotionally heavy.
Is A Deadly American Marriage Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10-12: Due to intense depictions of domestic violence, emotional trauma, and mature subject matter, the documentary is inappropriate for this age group.
Ages 13-17: Even for mature teens, the harrowing themes, discussions of violent death, and emotional distress portrayed throughout the series may be overwhelming. The true crime narrative is best suited for adults or very mature viewers capable of processing real-world violence and complicated moral questions.
A Deadly American Marriage is a gripping but emotionally challenging series meant for adult audiences, offering little in terms of safe, age-appropriate content for teens.
What Parents Can Do
Watch the Trailer First: Previewing the trailer can help parents assess whether the documentary’s tone and emotional impact align with what they feel is appropriate for their teen.
Discuss Domestic Violence and Justice: The series can serve as a powerful, though intense, conversation starter about the real-world impact of domestic violence, the importance of truth, and the complexities of the legal system.
Provide Support: If a mature teen insists on watching, parents should consider co-viewing and offering emotional support afterward, as the documentary delves into deeply unsettling real-life issues.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for A Deadly American Marriage?
A: The documentary is rated TV-MA for strong themes of domestic violence, disturbing subject matter, and mature content.
Q: Does A Deadly American Marriage depict violence?
A: Yes, it discusses Jason Corbett’s death and includes reenactments, forensic details, and interviews recounting violent acts, but without showing explicit gore.
Q: Is there strong language in A Deadly American Marriage?
A: Yes, occasional strong language appears, particularly in emotional testimonies and interviews.
Q: Is the documentary appropriate for teens?
A: It is not recommended for viewers under 17 due to its heavy focus on domestic violence, emotional trauma, and mature themes.
Q: When will A Deadly American Marriage be released?
A: The documentary premieres on Netflix on May 9, 2025.