Untold: The Liver King is the latest installment in Netflix’s popular Untold documentary series, directed by Joe Pearlman.
Premiering on May 13, 2025, the film unpacks the rise and fall of Brian Johnson, better known as the Liver King—a social media influencer who promoted an “ancestral lifestyle” that emphasized raw organ meat consumption, intense primal workouts, and supplement sales.
The documentary offers a layered exploration of Johnson’s online persona, the controversy surrounding his steroid use, and the ethical questions raised by influencer culture.
Through candid interviews with Johnson, his family, and associates, Untold: The Liver King presents a cautionary tale about authenticity, identity, and the costs of viral fame.
Untold: The Liver King Age Rating
Untold: The Liver King is rated TV-MA for strong language, mature thematic content, and references to steroid use. This rating signals that the documentary is intended for adult audiences and may be unsuitable for viewers under 17. Here’s a closer look at the content:
Violence & Peril
While not violent in a traditional sense, the documentary includes intense imagery and descriptions of extreme physical behavior (e.g., raw organ consumption, primal workouts). There are moments of verbal confrontation and psychological tension during interviews.
Language
Frequent use of strong profanity is present, including the f-word and other coarse terms. The language reflects the unfiltered tone of interviews and the raw nature of the subject matter.
Sexual Content
There is no explicit sexual content or nudity. However, some language and humor may carry innuendo, and references to masculinity and physical prowess are occasionally suggestive.
Mature Themes
The film addresses adult topics such as steroid abuse, deception in influencer culture, public backlash, identity crises, and the pressure to maintain online personas.
The steroid scandal is explored in detail, including a discussion of drug use and the fallout from misleading the public. There are also scenes involving raw meat consumption that may be disturbing or unsettling to some viewers.
Is Untold: The Liver King Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable: The subject matter—including steroid use, strong language, and mature themes—is too intense for pre-teens. The documentary’s style and topics are intended for a mature audience.
Ages 13–17: Not recommended: While some older teens may be interested in internet culture and fitness influencers, the documentary’s explicit language, steroid-focused content, and complex ethical issues make it better suited for adult viewers. Parents should exercise discretion if older teens express interest.
Untold: The Liver King is a provocative, adult-oriented documentary that explores fame, deception, and authenticity in the digital age. It is best suited for viewers 18 and older.
What Parents Can Do
Preview the Film: Consider watching the documentary in advance to determine whether the content aligns with your teen’s maturity level and your family’s values.
Start Conversations: Use the documentary as a springboard to discuss topics like online truthfulness, body image pressures, supplement marketing, and the consequences of dishonesty.
Emphasize Critical Thinking: Help teens distinguish between online personas and reality. Discuss how influencers may use exaggerated or misleading tactics to sell products or lifestyles.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Untold: The Liver King?
A: The documentary is rated TV-MA for strong language, mature themes, and references to steroid use.
Q: Is Untold: The Liver King appropriate for teens?
A: No. The film is aimed at adult audiences and not recommended for viewers under 17 due to explicit language and mature subject matter.
Q: Does the documentary include graphic content?
A: While not gory, it features disturbing imagery such as raw organ consumption and discussions about drug use.
Q: Is there nudity or sexual content?
A: No nudity or explicit sexual scenes are shown, though there are occasional suggestive comments related to masculinity.
Q: Where can I watch Untold: The Liver King?
A: The documentary is available exclusively on Netflix as of May 13, 2025.