The Yogurt Shop Murders is a 2025 four-part HBO documentary miniseries directed by Margaret Brown. Known for her past work on “Descendant” and “The Great Invisible,” Brown brings a personal touch to the series, having grown up in Austin, where the crime occurred.
The show explores the shocking 1991 murders of four teenage girls—Jennifer Harbison, Sarah Harbison, Eliza Thomas, and Amy Ayers—who were found bound, shot, and burned inside an “I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt!” store in Austin, Texas.
More than 30 years later, the case remains unsolved. The series digs into the failed investigation, the wrongful convictions of two men later cleared by DNA evidence, and the lasting pain this tragedy left behind.
Produced by HBO Documentary Films in partnership with A24 and Fruit Tree, the series is also executive produced by Emma Stone and Dave McCary. It premiered on HBO and Max on August 3, 2025.
The Yogurt Shop Murders Age Rating
The Yogurt Shop Murders is rated TV-MA for disturbing violent content, language, and the series contains mature content, including graphic descriptions of violence and real crime scene details that may be upsetting for younger viewers. Below is a spoiler-free breakdown to help parents decide if it’s appropriate for their teens:
Violence & Crime Details
The show includes detailed accounts of a real-life violent crime involving minors. Viewers hear about the murders through interviews, archival footage, and police reports. While there is no dramatized reenactment, the descriptions are emotional and graphic.
Crime scene photos (blurred or shadowed) and fire damage are shown. Emotional interviews with victims’ families and investigators can be deeply affecting.
Language
Some strong language is used, mostly in interviews and archival news footage. Swearing is infrequent but present. Emotional distress sometimes leads to intense language by those involved in the case.
Mature Themes
This documentary deals with very serious themes: wrongful conviction, trauma, grief, flawed justice, and the lasting emotional impact of violence. It discusses the use of coerced confessions, police mistakes, and the pain of unresolved crime. The tone is dark, serious, and reflective throughout the series.
Is The Yogurt Shop Murders Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–13: Not suitable. The real-life violent nature of the crimes, mature themes, and upsetting emotional interviews make this documentary inappropriate for children or pre-teens.
Ages 14–17: Caution advised. Some older teens interested in true crime may find the series compelling, especially if they are mature enough to handle heavy content. However, the emotional toll, violent case details, and lack of resolution may be too disturbing for many in this age group. Parental discretion is strongly advised.
Recommended Age: 17+ Due to its disturbing subject matter and emotional intensity, The Yogurt Shop Murders is best suited for adult audiences or very mature older teens.
How Parents Can Approach This Series
Watch First: Preview the series yourself to decide if your teen can handle the emotional and violent themes.
Talk It Through: If your teen watches, discuss the justice system, false confessions, and how crime affects communities.
Support Their Emotions: Be open to conversations about sadness, fear, or anger the show may stir up.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for The Yogurt Shop Murders?
A: The series is rated TV-MA for disturbing content, language, and mature themes.
Q: Is it appropriate for teens?
A: Not for most. It may be too intense or upsetting for viewers under 17.
Q: Does it show graphic violence?
A: No graphic reenactments, but it contains real, disturbing descriptions and blurred crime photos.
Q: Is there any sexual content in the series?
A: No. The focus is on a violent crime and the justice system—there is no sexual or romantic content.
Q: Where can I watch it?
A: The series premiered on HBO and is available to stream on Max beginning August 3, 2025.