Can You Keep a Secret? is a 2026 British dark comedy, crime series from the United Kingdom, blending crime drama, sitcom elements, and pitch-black humor.
The series is created for television as a modern reimagining of a real-life British fraud case, inspired by the infamous “canoe man” story.
It stars Dawn French, Mark Heap, Craig Roberts, Mandip Gill, and follows an elderly couple whose quiet retirement turns criminal.
After a bureaucratic error declares the husband legally dead, the couple exploit the mistake for a life insurance payout, triggering escalating lies and danger.
The show premiered in the UK in January 2026 and arrives on Paramount+ in the United States on February 12, 2026.
Can You Keep a Secret? Age Rating
Can You Keep a Secret? is officially rated TV-MA for strong language, mature themes, and dark criminal subject matter.
The series is intended for adults and older mature viewers, with humor and tension rooted in fraud, deception, and moral compromise.
While violence is minimal, the psychological pressure and ethical stakes remain constant throughout the season.
Parents should note that the tone is intentionally bleak and uncomfortable at times, despite its comedic framing.
Violence & Peril
Violence is low but persistent psychological tension runs through every episode. Characters experience intimidation, emotional manipulation, and fear of exposure as the criminal scheme unravels. Medical peril is also present, as one character’s Parkinson’s disease complicates efforts to stay hidden. There are no graphic injuries, but stress-related scenes may feel intense for sensitive viewers.
Language
Language use is moderate to high throughout the series. Strong profanity and coarse British slang are frequent, consistent with the show’s dark comedic tone. There are no repeated slurs, but the dialogue is adult-oriented and unfiltered. Parents should expect regular swearing in most episodes.
Mature Themes
The series centers on insurance fraud, faking a death, and sustained deception of family and authorities. Moral ambiguity is a constant theme, with characters justifying unethical choices for financial security. Chronic illness, aging, and fear of dependency are portrayed realistically and sometimes bleakly. Smoking, alcohol use, and brief suggestive references appear, though nudity is not explicit.
Is Can You Keep a Secret? Suitable for Teens?
Ages 12–14: No. The mature themes, criminal focus, and frequent strong language make the series inappropriate for younger teens.
Ages 15–17: With Guidance. Older teens may understand the satire, but parents should be prepared to discuss ethical issues and language.
Ages 18+: Yes. The series is best suited for adults who appreciate dark humor and morally complex storytelling.
Final recommendation: Suitable for adults 18+, not recommended for children or younger teens.
What Parents Can Do
- Explain the real-world consequences of fraud and why the show presents criminal behavior critically.
- Prepare teens for themes involving illness, aging, and sustained deception within a family.
- Encourage discussion about moral boundaries and how financial fear can distort decision-making.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Can You Keep a Secret? (2026)?
A: The series is rated TV-MA for strong language and mature themes.
Q: Is Can You Keep a Secret? appropriate for kids?
A: No, the show is designed for adult audiences and is unsuitable for children.
Q: Does the series contain violence or scary scenes?
A: There is little physical violence, but sustained psychological tension and stress are present.
Q: Is there strong language in the show?
A: Yes, frequent profanity and adult language appear throughout the series.
Q: Does Can You Keep a Secret? include sexual content?
A: Sexual content is minimal, limited to brief suggestive references and adult relationship themes.
Q: Where can I watch Can You Keep a Secret??
A: The series streams on Paramount+ in the United States starting February 12, 2026.