Firefly Lane on Netflix - What Parents Need to Know

Firefly Lane, a Netflix original series based on a popular novel written by Kristin Hannah, will be available to stream beginning February 3, 2021.  Is it appropriate for kids, tweens and teens?  I’m answering that question and more in my spoiler free Firefly Lane parents guide.  With a TV-MA rating that includes nudity, sexual content, frequent use of profanity, drug use, and other mature content, here’s what parents need to know about Firefly Lane on Netflix.

Firefly Lane on Netflix:  What Parents Need to Know

Firefly Lane is a coming of age story about two best friends named Kate (played by Sarah Chalke) and Tully (played by Katherine Heigl).  The series spans several decades and follows them, from the time they meet as teenagers to becoming adults.  I couldn’t wait to see this particular series on Netflix because the book is a favorite of mine.  Is the series as good as the book?  And is it different from the book?  My overall thoughts about the series adaptation is listed below.  But first, here’s a parents guide to help you decide whether or not the Netflix series is appropriate for kids, tweens, and teens.

Why is Firefly Lane Rated MA?

A TV-MA rating is usually reserved for TV shows which are suitable for adults and generally not suited for those under 17 years of age.   The Firefly Lane Netflix age rating is MA because it has a lot of mature content, such as nudity, sex, rape, drug use (marijuana and cocaine), divorce, abandonment, and excessive use of profanity.  More about all that below.

Sexual Content

Are there sex scenes and nudity in Firefly Lane?  Yes.  There are sex scenes, especially with regard to Tully, although not necessarily as graphic as the sex scenes and nudity shown in Bridgerton or The Witcher.  Characters are shown having sex, although private body parts aren’t entirely shown.  Instead, outlines of breasts can be seen as well as bare skin.  There are also scenes where some of the characters wear revealing lingerie. And there’s also a very difficult rape scene. 

Violence

There is violence in the series including the difficult rape scene mentioned above.  Other scenes depicting violence include characters punching each other, a robbery, a shooting, and scenes occurring during a war (as seen through flashbacks).

Language

There’s a lot of profanity in this series.  Many of the characters (especially Tully) say words like “h**l,” “son-of-a-bi**h”, “bi**h”, “w***e”, “f**k”, and “a*****e”, and *a*s.”  I stopped counting after a while.  

As a parent, you’ll definitely want to use your discretion and keep this guide in mind.

Overall Thoughts:  Is the Netflix Series Different From the Book?

Firefly Lane is one of my favorite novels and maybe I expected too much from the Netflix series.  Nevertheless, the Netflix series isn’t as good as the book.  There are key differences between the two, especially with characters that I thought detracted from the storyline (I’m looking at a character named Max in particular).  I understand that the series is trying to distinguish itself from the book, but the book is popular for a reason.  Why mess with that?

I do think that Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke did great in their roles as Tully and Kate.  However, I found the supporting characters to be disappointing and I felt like Tully and Kate lacked chemistry with their romantic partners.  With that being said, the series and the book are ultimately about the friendship between Tully and Kate.  Even though the Netflix series deviates from the book, I did feel like the Netflix series did get that right.  I also enjoyed the soundtrack and the fact that (like the book) the series toggles back and forth between past and present.  As a fan of the book, though, I just felt like something was missing from the series.  

About Firefly Lane

Based on the New York Times Bestselling book, Firefly Lane is the sweeping story of two inseparable best friends and their enduring, complicated bond, spanning four tumultuous decades.