The Investigation of Lucy Letby (2026) is a British true crime documentary centered on one of the most shocking criminal cases in UK history.
The film is directed by Netflix documentary teams specializing in investigative crime storytelling.
Key contributors include lead detectives, prosecutors, medical experts, and family members of the victims.
The documentary examines the investigation into Lucy Letby, a neonatal nurse convicted of murdering infants at a hospital.
It is a real-life case and not a dramatization or adaptation. The documentary premieres globally on February 4, 2026, and is distributed by Netflix.
The Investigation of Lucy Letby Age Rating
The Investigation of Lucy Letby is rated TV-14 for disturbing thematic material, emotional intensity, and sensitive medical content.
This classification means parents are strongly cautioned, as the subject matter may be unsuitable for children under 14.
While there is no graphic violence shown on screen, the documentary focuses on real infant deaths and attempted murders.
The tone is serious and emotionally heavy throughout, with extended discussion of loss, trauma, and criminal accountability.
Violence & Peril
Violence is non-graphic but extremely distressing due to its real-world context. The documentary describes harm inflicted on newborn babies in a hospital setting through investigative interviews. Details are conveyed through testimony, timelines, and forensic explanations rather than reenactments. The emotional weight and implications of the crimes create a strong sense of peril and unease.
Language
Strong language is infrequent but present in some interviews and archival police footage. Most of the documentary uses formal and investigative language appropriate to court and law enforcement settings. There are no repeated profanities, but occasional strong words may appear during emotional moments.
Mature Themes
The film deals heavily with death, infant mortality, grief, medical ethics, and criminal justice failures. Themes include institutional responsibility, emotional trauma, and the long-term impact on families. There is no sexual content or nudity. Medical discussions include resuscitation attempts and hospital procedures that may be upsetting.
Is The Investigation of Lucy Letby Suitable for Teens?
Ages 12–13: Not recommended. The subject matter involving infant deaths and grieving families may be overwhelming at this age.
Ages 14–16: With guidance. Teens may understand the investigative elements but could struggle emotionally with the content.
Ages 17+: Yes. Older teens and adults can better process the themes and historical context.
Overall, the documentary is best suited for viewers aged 16 and up, depending on emotional maturity.
What Parents Can Do
- Prepare teens for emotionally heavy discussions about death, medical responsibility, and justice.
- Watch together if possible and pause to explain investigative or legal concepts.
- Encourage conversation afterward about empathy, accountability, and media coverage of real crimes.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for The Investigation of Lucy Letby?
A: The documentary is rated TV-14 for disturbing themes and emotional intensity.
Q: Is The Investigation of Lucy Letby appropriate for kids?
A: No. The subject matter is not suitable for children due to infant deaths and grief.
Q: Are there graphic or scary scenes?
A: There are no graphic visuals, but descriptions and interviews are emotionally distressing.
Q: Does the documentary contain strong language?
A: Infrequent strong language appears during interviews and archival footage.
Q: Is there any sexual content or nudity?
A: No. There is no sexual content or nudity.
Q: Where can I watch The Investigation of Lucy Letby?
A: The documentary streams exclusively on Netflix starting February 4, 2026.