Beauty and the Bester is a 2025 South African true-crime documentary series (three parts). Netflix has not yet listed director and writer credits.
The series features Dr. Nandipha Magudumana and archival material on Thabo Bester, with interviews from journalists, friends, and law enforcement.
It examines the 2023 prison-escape scandal and the pair’s public downfall. The show releases on September 12, 2025, exclusively on Netflix.
Beauty and the Bester Age Rating
Beauty and the Bester is rated TV-MA on Netflix. Netflix lists the series 15 in the UK and 16 in South Africa. It includes crime details, references to sexual violence, and strong thematic intensity.
Violence & Peril
- Level: Moderate to strong (non-graphic).
- What appears: News and courtroom footage, police operations, and discussion of violent crimes tied to Bester’s case. The trailer teases a nationwide manhunt, arrests, and tense confrontations, building sustained dread rather than gore.
Language
- Level: Moderate (likely).
- Expect occasional strong words in interviews and archival clips typical of true-crime reporting. No confirmed use of slurs in marketing or trailer.
Mature Themes
- Serious topics: Murder and rape (discussed, not depicted), fraud and manipulation, corruption, and media frenzy around a celebrity doctor and a convicted criminal. Smoking or substance use is not highlighted in marketing.
Genres and tone cues: Netflix tags include South African, Crime TV Shows, Documentary Series, True Crime Documentaries; “Riveting,” “Investigative,” “Fraud,” “Media Circus.”
Is Beauty and the Bester Suitable for Teens?
Ages 12–14: No. The case involves murder and sexual violence references that are too intense for younger teens.
Ages 15–16: With Guidance. Suitable for mature teens who can handle heavy themes. Watch together and discuss context.
Ages 17+: Yes. Older teens and adults interested in true crime will find it compelling.
Final recommendation: 16+ in most regions; 17+ if your region uses TV-MA labeling.
What Parents Can Do
Set expectations: Explain that sexual violence is referenced and that real victims are involved; center empathy and media literacy.
Put it in context: Discuss how prison systems, extradition, and investigative journalism work in South Africa.
Debrief after each episode: Talk about manipulation, online fraud, and why sensational cases become “media circuses.”
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the official age rating?
A: Netflix lists 15 (UK) and 16 (South Africa). In the US, expect TV-MA due to mature themes.
Q: Is it appropriate for kids or younger teens?
A: No. The subject matter includes murder and sexual violence discussions. Consider it for mature 16+ only.
Q: How violent or scary is it?
A: It uses real footage and recounts violent crimes and a high-profile escape. The intensity comes from realism and peril, not gore.
Q: Does it include strong language or slurs?
A: Some strong language may appear in interviews/archives typical of true crime. Marketing does not highlight slurs.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: No sexual nudity is promoted. However, sexual violence is discussed in the context of the case.
Q: Where can I watch it and when?
A: Exclusively on Netflix, streaming September 12, 2025.