Had I Not Seen the Sun (如果我不曾見過太陽) is a 2025 Taiwanese crime-drama series that blends psychological mystery, thriller, and coming-of-age romance.
It was produced by the team behind Someday or One Day and directed by Jiang Ji-zheng and Chi-Feng Chien. The main cast includes Tseng Jing-hua, Moon Lee, Chiang Chi, and Lyan Cheng. Part 1 premiered on November 13, 2025, with Part 2 released on December 11, 2025, on Netflix.
The plot is initiated when Chou Pin-yu, a documentary research assistant, is granted an interview with Li Jen-yao, a notorious serial killer currently imprisoned.
This encounter acts as a catalyst, pulling Pin-yu into a series of unsettling dreams and psychological events linked to both the killer and a mysterious girl from their past, Chiang Hsiao-tung.
The narrative skillfully alternates between the present-day investigation and past campus events, gradually unearthing a deep web of trauma, hidden truths, and psychological distress.
The series delves into heavy themes, including psychological trauma, school bullying, criminal psychology, and the profound experiences of emotional separation, ultimately focusing on the possibility of healing and forgiveness.
Had I Not Seen the Sun Age Rating
Had I Not Seen the Sun is rated TV-MA on Netflix. This rating is given for strong language, sexual violence, substance use, tobacco use, and disturbing violent content. Netflix also categorizes the series under tags such as Mind-Bending, Violent, Psychological, Drama, Love & Obsession, and Serial Killer, which reflect its intense tone and mature subject matter.
Violence & Peril
The series contains several disturbing scenes tied to a serial-killer investigation. Violence is presented through flashbacks, psychological terror, and emotionally charged confrontations. Some moments depict the aftermath of assaults or imply graphic harm. The overall atmosphere is tense, with sequences designed to create dread and psychological unease.
Language
Strong and emotionally heavy language appears throughout the show. Characters use profanity in stressful or threatening situations, and a few scenes include harsh or intense verbal exchanges. Subtitled translations may add emphasis, making some dialogue feel stronger when read.
Mature Themes
The story deals with sexual violence, school bullying, emotional trauma, and criminal psychology. These themes are explored in depth and may be triggering for sensitive viewers. Substance use and tobacco appear as part of character routines or coping behaviors. The show also examines guilt, fractured memory, and obsessive emotional dynamics, all of which contribute to its TV-MA classification.
Is Had I Not Seen the Sun Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The series includes sexual violence and psychologically disturbing scenes. It is not suitable for preteens.
Ages 13–15: With guidance, but generally not recommended. Younger teens may be unsettled by sexual violence and intense psychological material. Parents should pre-screen episodes and be ready to discuss trauma and consent.
Ages 16–17: Caution advised. Older teens may follow the plot but should watch with parental context and aftercare. Discuss the difference between sensationalized crime drama and real trauma.
Final recommendation: This series is best for adults and mature older teens (17+) when parents provide context and debriefing. The show’s sexual-violence themes make it inappropriate for most minors.
What Parents Can Do
- Preview at least the first two episodes to assess tone and possible triggers before letting teens watch.
- Prepare a calm discussion about consent, bullying, and justice. Focus on real-world support resources.
- Watch together where possible and pause to explain unreliable memories and media depictions of crime.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the official age rating?
A: Netflix applies a mature viewer label (varies by country; often 16+). Many outlets describe it as TV-MA for sexual violence and mature themes.
Q: Is it appropriate for teens?
A: Not for younger teens. Older teens may only watch with parental guidance and pre-screening.
Q: Are there violent or scary scenes?
A: Yes. The show includes tense, unsettling scenes connected to a serial-killer case. Emotional violence is prominent.
Q: Does it include sexual content or sexual violence?
A: Yes. Sexual violence is a central element and can be graphic in implication. This is a major reason for the mature rating.
Q: Is there strong language or substance use?
A: Yes. Expect strong profanity, tobacco use, and some substance use within the story.
Q: Where can I watch it?
A: The series is available exclusively on Netflix, released in two parts on November 13 and December 11, 2025.