What’s in the Box? (2025) is an American game-show series in the family/competition genre. The series is hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and produced by Rollercoaster Television, part of ITV Studios. The first season has six 45-minute episodes and premieres on Netflix on December 17, 2025. The format pairs contestants who answer trivia to win and defend mystery prizes hidden in giant boxes.
The core premise of the show revolves around large, mystery boxes that conceal an array of contents, ranging from jaw-dropping prizes to wild surprises and unexpected, potentially negative, reveals. The competition features pairs of contestants who engage in fast-paced, addictive trivia rounds. The primary objective in each round is to correctly guess what is hidden inside one of the giant boxes. This element of uncertainty and deduction is central to the game’s format, driving the tension and excitement.
What’s in the Box? Age Rating
Netflix lists What’s in the Box? with a TV-PG rating. This indicates parental guidance is suggested because some material may be unsuitable for younger children. The show combines playful competition with occasional mild suggestive humor, surprise reveals, and moments that could startle sensitive viewers.
Violence & Peril
Physical danger is minimal. There are no fight scenes or gore. Some boxes contain startling or unpleasant surprises. Those moments are designed to shock or provoke a laugh, not to harm. The overall tone stays light and game-focused.
Language
Language is mild. Contestants and the host may use casual profanity rarely. Expect playful banter, some crude jokes, and suggestive one-liners that push above TV-G but stay within TV-PG limits.
Mature Themes
Themes are family-friendly and competition-driven. The show explores strategy, trust, and occasional betrayal between partners. Some reveals may be emotionally awkward or mildly embarrassing. There is no sexual explicitness, no graphic content, and no drug or alcohol use as central elements.
Is What’s in the Box? Suitable for Kids?
Ages 4–7: No. The format uses surprise reveals that can startle very young children. The pacing and strategy are also hard for this age group to follow. Not suitable for preschoolers.
Ages 8–12: With Guidance. Many children in this group may enjoy the trivia, suspense, and prizes. Parents should pre-screen or watch early episodes with younger tweens to explain jokes and handle surprising reveals.
Ages 13–17: Yes (Most Teens). Older kids and teens will likely enjoy the strategic play, shifting alliances, and trivia challenges. Mild crude humor and occasional surprises are generally appropriate for this group. Final recommendation: teens 13+ are suitable viewers, but parental guidance is useful for sensitive teens.
Final age recommendation: TV-PG suggests parental guidance. Most teens 13+ can watch comfortably, while younger children need supervision.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch the first episode with your child to judge if the surprise reveals upset them.
- Explain that surprising or embarrassing reveals are staged and safe. Use the moment to discuss game strategy.
- Talk about teamwork and fair play if the show sparks arguments about stealing or betrayal.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for What’s in the Box?
A: The show is rated TV-PG on Netflix, meaning parental guidance is suggested.
Q: Is What’s in the Box? appropriate for kids?
A: For most kids 13 and older, yes. Younger children may find surprises startling. Supervision recommended.
Q: Are there scary or violent scenes?
A: No. The show has startling surprises but no real violence or gore.
Q: Will there be crude or suggestive jokes?
A: Occasional mild crude or suggestive humor appears, typical of TV-PG unscripted shows.
Q: Is there adult content or nudity?
A: No. The format stays family-friendly and nonsexual.
Q: Where can I watch the show?
A: What’s in the Box? streams exclusively on Netflix from December 17, 2025.