The Stranger (2020) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Sexual content includes implied affairs and sexual encounters without explicit graphic depiction. There are scenes of passionate kissing and partial undress, such as a man shown shirtless in bed or a woman in a bra. Sexual harassment is alluded to as a past event involving a character. There is also discussion of a high-school student running a pornographic site, though no visual content from it is shown.

Violence is moderate but central to the plot, revolving around a murder and its cover-up. A character is found dead from a blunt force trauma, shown briefly with blood. Another character is shot and killed with some blood splatter. There's a scene of a character being hit by a car, leading to graphic injuries and death shown briefly. Other instances include a character being shoved against a wall, a physical struggle, and threats of violence. Consequences of violence, including police investigation and emotional…

Frequent strong language is present throughout the season, including multiple uses of 'f**k' and its variations, 'sh*t,' 'bitch,' 'a**hole,' and 'd**k.' Characters use profanity in moments of stress, anger, and casual conversation, particularly adult characters and some teenagers.

Alcohol consumption is casual and frequent among adult characters, primarily social drinking at bars, homes, and parties. Teenagers are shown drinking at a party, with one character becoming intoxicated. Evidence of drug use, specifically ecstasy, is part of a central plot point involving teenagers, though depicted only through its effects and discussion, not active use. Smoking is present among several adult characters.

The season explores themes of betrayal, identity, privacy, and the destructive power of secrets within families and communities. Grief and loss are present after sudden deaths, affecting multiple characters. Blackmail, extortion, and the manipulation of others are central plot devices. Mental health issues, specifically anxiety and trauma, are depicted through characters coping with intense stress and shocking revelations.