The Netflix original Being Eddie is a powerful biographical documentary that offers an unprecedented, intimate portrait of the iconic comedian and actor, Eddie Murphy.
Directed by the two-time Oscar-winner Angus Wall, the film chronicles Murphy’s career from his start as a stand-up prodigy who joined Saturday Night Live right out of high school, through his legendary run as a box-office titan with classics like Beverly Hills Cop and The Nutty Professor.
Far from a standard highlight reel, the documentary is a deep dive into the mind of the famously private star, featuring new interviews where Murphy opens his home and reflects with raw honesty on his four decades in the spotlight.
The movie explores the explosive charisma, focused ambition, and guarded personal life that allowed him to not only achieve superstardom across comedy, film, and music but also maintain his artistic integrity and longevity in an industry that often consumes its biggest stars.
It features commentary from a stellar line-up of contemporaries and successors, including Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Jamie Foxx, and Jerry Seinfeld, emphasizing the profound and generation-spanning influence of his work. Being Eddie premieres on Netflix on November 12, 2025 and was announced by Netflix.
Being Eddie Age Rating
Being Eddiei is rated R by the MPAA for language throughout, sexual references, and brief nudity. On Netflix it is also listed as TV-MA classification on for mature language and adult themes. The Netflix listing shows the documentary as TV-MA (16+) and lists a runtime of roughly 1 hour 41 minutes. This classification signals content intended for mature viewers.
Violence & Peril
Violence is not the documentary’s focus and there are no fictional action scenes. Any intense moments arise from candid discussion of pressure, career crises, or industry stories. Expect emotionally intense recollections rather than graphic physical violence. The tone can be tense at times when tackling fame’s costs.
Language
Strong, uncensored language is likely throughout. The film draws on archival stand-up material and interviews with unfiltered comedians. Early Murphy stand-up (Delirious, Raw) contains explicit language, and contributors like Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock speak frankly, which supports the TV-MA language flag. Expect frequent profanity and adult phrasing.
Mature Themes
Being Eddie explores mature topics: the pressures of fame, identity, race in entertainment, relationships, and creative risks. It also includes archival stand-up content that addresses sex, relationships, and adult social commentary. Discussion of personal struggles, industry controversies, and adult themes is candid and sometimes raw. For parents, note that sexual themes are discussed in context and sometimes through archival, explicit jokes.
Is Being Eddie Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable. The film contains explicit stand-up clips and mature discussion. The language and adult themes are not appropriate for preteens.
Ages 13–15: With strong guidance. Some mature teens may follow the documentary’s narrative. However, the frequent coarse language and explicit archival comedy mean parents should pre-screen or watch with their teen.
Ages 16–17: With guidance — mostly okay. Older teens who understand historical context and adult humor can appreciate the documentary. Still, expect strong profanity and frank discussions; a short parental preface helps.
Final recommendation: Because Being Eddie is rated R for language throughout, sexual references, and brief nudity, we recommend it for viewers 16+ and advise parents of younger teens to preview the film first.
What Parents Can Do
- Pre-screen the film: Watch the documentary before sharing it with a teen so you can judge language and themes.
- Frame the archival stand-up: Explain that 1980s stand-up used raw, provocative language. Discuss how cultural norms have changed since those specials.
- Use clips to start conversations: After viewing, talk about fame, race, and the responsibility of comedians. Encourage questions about what comedy does and why some jokes age differently.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Being Eddie?
A: Being Eddie is rated R by the MPAA for language throughout, sexual references, and brief nudity.
Q: Is Being Eddie appropriate for kids or teens?
A: It is not suitable for kids. Older teens (16–17) may watch with guidance; younger teens should be supervised or wait.
Q: How much explicit language is there?
A: Expect frequent, uncensored profanity. The film includes archival stand-up and candid interviews that use strong language.
Q: Does the documentary show sexual content or nudity?
A: The film uses archival comedy that discusses sex in explicit terms. It is discussion-based rather than visual sexual explicitness. Parents should note sexual themes and references.
Q: Who appears in the documentary?
A: The documentary includes interviews with Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Jamie Foxx, Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, Tracee Ellis Ross and others.
Q: Where and when can I watch Being Eddie?
A: Being Eddie streams on Netflix from November 12, 2025.