My Father, the BTK Killer (2025) is a U.S. true-crime documentary. It’s directed by Skye Borgman and centers on Kerri Rawson, Dennis Rader’s daughter.
The film follows Rawson as she confronts her father’s crimes and the trauma that followed. It uses interviews, archival photos, and interrogation footage to retell the BTK case and Rawson’s personal story. The documentary premieres on Netflix in October 2025.
My Father, the BTK Killer Age Rating
My Father, the BTK Killer, has been officially rated TV-MA rating. This rating indicates that the film is intended for a mature audience due to its exploration of strong adult themes and disturbing material. The Netflix listing confirms this rating, advising viewers of the documentary’s content.
Violence & Peril
The film features a moderate to strong level of disturbing material. The film revisits the ten real murders committed by Dennis Rader, also known as BTK, and includes archival case photos and descriptions of violent crimes. While there are not extensive graphic re-enactments, the descriptions and use of authentic police and interrogation material are considered to be very disturbing.
Language
The documentary “My Father, the BTK Killer” has a moderate level of language. While the main focus is not on profanity, viewers can anticipate some coarse language in interviews and archival clips, with some adult language appearing in testimony and media excerpts.
Mature Themes
Topics covered: serial murder, sexual violence, possible childhood sexual abuse allegations, betrayal, family trauma, PTSD, and investigations.
The film is explicitly personal and probes possible hidden trauma in Rawson’s past while revisiting victims’ stories and police files. These topics are emotionally heavy and may be retraumatizing for some viewers.
Is My Father, the BTK Killer Suitable for Teens?
Ages 13–15: No. The material is graphic in description and emotionally intense. Teens in this bracket may be unsettled or distressed by the subject matter.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Older teens may understand the documentary’s context. Watch with a parent or guardian who can pause and discuss difficult sections. Triggering content includes sexual abuse allegations and detailed crime descriptions.
Ages 18+: Yes (adult viewers). The film is intended for mature audiences. Adults can view it alone but should expect disturbing content and heavy emotional themes.
Final recommendation: Best for adults. If a teen watches, prefer 16+ with an engaged parent present and pre- and post-watch conversation.
What Parents Can Do
Prepare them first. Tell kids the film covers real murders, sexual violence, and family trauma. Give a short, honest warning before watching.
Watch together. Be ready to pause and explain facts, correct myths, and address any emotions that come up.
Debrief after viewing. Ask how they felt, clarify real-world safety facts, and offer reassurance about rarity of such crimes.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the official rating for My Father, the BTK Killer?
A: Netflix lists it as TV-MA (2025). This indicates mature audience material.
Q: Is this documentary appropriate for teenagers?
A: Not for younger teens. Ages 16–17 may watch with guidance; 18+ is recommended. The film covers sexual abuse allegations, murder, and trauma.
Q: Are there graphic or gory scenes?
A: The documentary focuses on interviews, archival photos, and case material. It contains disturbing descriptions, though it does not rely on gore-focused reenactments. Parents should still expect upsetting images.
Q: Does the film mention sexual abuse or child abuse?
A: Yes. The film and related reporting note sensitive claims and family revelations that address possible abuse and hidden trauma. These sections can be especially triggering.
Q: Will it contain strong language or profanity?
A: Some coarse language appears in interviews and archival recordings, but extreme profanity is not the main driver of the documentary.
Q: Where and when can I watch it?
A: My Father, the BTK Killer premieres on Netflix in October 2025 (Netflix’s Tudum press page and Netflix listings give an October 10 premiere). Check your local Netflix feed for the exact availability in your region.