To Kill a Monkey is a 2025 Nigerian crime thriller series created, written, and directed by Kemi Adetiba. Known for her hit works like King of Boys and The Wedding Party, Adetiba returns with a powerful, male-led story exploring cybercrime, morality, and survival in modern-day Lagos.
The 8-episode series stars William Benson as Efemini, an ordinary man pulled into a dangerous world of cybercrime after reconnecting with an old friend. As his choices grow darker, Efemini struggles to hold onto his identity and values.
Premiering on Netflix on July 18, 2025, To Kill a Monkey is rated TV-MA for mature content including violence, strong language, and dark themes. The show explores the emotional and ethical cost of fast money in a harsh digital world.
To Kill a Monkey Age Rating
Netflix has rated To Kill a Monkey TV-MA (Mature Audience Only), meaning the series is intended for adults and may not be suitable for viewers under 17. Below is a closer, spoiler-free breakdown to help parents understand why:
Violence & Peril
There are scenes of physical violence, including beatings and tense confrontations involving weapons. While not overly graphic, the violence is realistic and often emotional. The show portrays the threats and dangers of organized cybercrime, with moments of fear, betrayal, and danger.
Language
Strong language is used throughout the series, including profanity and crude expressions. The dialogue reflects the gritty, street-level tone of the characters and their environment.
Mature Themes
The series explores heavy and serious topics like poverty, desperation, betrayal, moral compromise, and criminal activity. It dives deep into the emotional weight of survival and the slow breakdown of one’s identity in a corrupt world. There’s also commentary on class divides and systemic injustice in Nigeria.
There is no sexual content or nudity shown, but innuendo and suggestive dialogue may appear in a few scenes.
Is To Kill a Monkey Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable. The tone, themes, and content are too mature and intense for pre-teens. The series deals with crime, betrayal, and violence in a realistic way that is not appropriate for this age group.
Ages 13–17: Not recommended. Even for older teens, the emotional weight, mature language, and complex ethical dilemmas may be too much. The show was not made with teens in mind and lacks the stylized tone often found in teen thrillers. While some older teens may be drawn to its realism, it is best viewed with caution or adult supervision.
To Kill a Monkey is designed for adult viewers. Its serious tone and realistic crime elements are not meant for younger audiences.
What Parents Should Know
Preview First: If you have older teens who express interest, consider watching the trailer below to evaluate its intensity.
Contextual Conversations: This show can spark conversations about morality, social pressure, and the consequences of fast money, if you choose to view it together.
Be Aware of the Tone: This is not a glamorized action thriller. The mood is serious, grounded, and emotionally challenging.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for To Kill a Monkey?
A: It is rated TV-MA for mature language, violence, and dark thematic elements.
Q: Is To Kill a Monkey suitable for teens?
A: No. The content is intense and intended for adults. It’s not appropriate for most teenagers.
Q: Does the series contain graphic violence?
A: It has realistic violence and threats, but it avoids extreme gore. The impact is more emotional than visual.
Q: Is there any sexual content or nudity?
A: No nudity. Some suggestive language or behavior may appear, but is limited.
Q: Where can I watch To Kill a Monkey?
A: The series will premiere on Netflix on July 18, 2025.