The Better Sister is an upcoming limited thriller series based on the 2019 novel by bestselling author Alafair Burke. Directed by Craig Gillespie and premiering on May 29, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video, the show stars Jessica Biel as Chloe and Elizabeth Banks as Nicky, two estranged sisters forced to reunite after a brutal murder upends their lives.
Set against the backdrop of domestic drama and legal suspense, the eight-episode series explores a tangled web of family betrayal, addiction, and the aftermath of violence. As the women dig into the circumstances surrounding the murder of Chloe’s husband, Adam (played by Corey Stoll), secrets surface that challenge everything they thought they knew about each other.
With its combination of psychological intrigue, mature themes, and emotional intensity, The Better Sister aims to captivate adult viewers while raising questions about how well we really know our loved ones.
The Better Sister Age Rating
The Better Sister is rated TV-14 for violence, language, mature themes, and substance use. The series deals with complex adult subject matter that may not be appropriate for younger audiences. Here’s a breakdown for parents:
Violence & Peril
The show features scenes of domestic violence, including the brutal murder of a central character. Flashbacks and emotional confrontations create moments of intense suspense. While gore is not emphasized, viewers will witness crime scenes, physical altercations, and references to violent acts, including the psychological toll they take on the characters.
Language
The series includes moderate profanity, such as uses of “bitch,” “damn,” and other common TV-14 level language. There are also emotionally charged arguments and confrontations that may include harsher terms during key dramatic moments.
Sexual Content
There are references to past romantic and sexual relationships, including marital affairs and betrayal. Some scenes may imply intimacy, but there is no explicit nudity or graphic sexual content in early episodes.
Mature Themes
The show explores addiction, infidelity, family estrangement, grief, and betrayal. Nicky’s struggle with sobriety and relapse is a recurring storyline, as are themes of emotional abuse and manipulation. The complexity of adult relationships is a core focus and may be emotionally intense for younger viewers.
Substance Use
Alcohol and drug use are depicted throughout the series, especially in scenes involving Nicky’s past and current battles with addiction. While not glorified, these moments are central to her character arc and are handled with serious tone.
Is The Better Sister Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable. The show’s themes of murder, emotional trauma, substance use, and family dysfunction are too mature for pre-teens. Even without graphic visuals, the series’ tone and subject matter are inappropriate for this age group.
Ages 13–17: Caution advised. While the series is rated TV-14, it may be emotionally overwhelming for younger teens, especially due to the depiction of addiction, betrayal, and death. Older teens who are accustomed to crime dramas may find the show compelling, but parental discretion is advised. Teens should ideally watch with an adult who can provide context for the complex themes.
Overall, The Better Sister is best suited for mature teens (16+) or adult viewers due to its emotionally heavy material and thriller intensity.
What Parents Can Do
Watch with your teen: If your older teen wants to watch the series, consider viewing it together to help contextualize the darker themes.
Discuss real-world issues: Use the show’s portrayal of addiction, grief, and sibling rivalry as a way to open up meaningful conversations about emotional wellness and trust.
Be aware of emotional triggers: If your child has experienced family trauma, loss, or substance abuse, parts of the show may be triggering. Previewing the first episode is recommended.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for The Better Sister (2025)?
A: The series is rated TV-14 for mature content including violence, language, and substance use.
Q: Is The Better Sister suitable for kids?
A: No. It is not appropriate for children under 13 due to its mature themes and dark tone.
Q: Does the show contain graphic violence?
A: The murder that drives the plot is disturbing, but the violence is not graphic in nature.
Q: Is there drug or alcohol use?
A: Yes. One of the main characters struggles with addiction, and drug/alcohol use is shown throughout the series.
Q: Where can I watch The Better Sister?
A: The full series will be available to stream on Prime Video starting May 29, 2025.