Bust Up Season 1

What’s it about?

Local New Zealand police drama set in the fictional town of Waitote. Exes Deb and Mihi are brought back together, but this time, as partners on the force. As they investigate perplexing cases, unresolved feelings simmer away.

The facts

• Written and produced by Paula Boock and Donna Malane (The Gulf)
• Starring Roimata Fox (The Wrecking Crew) and Morgana O’Reilly (White Lotus Season 3)
• English language
• Runtime: 6 episodes, between 48 and 52 minutes each

Why did it get this rating?

This series was self-rated by Neon. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

The following information breaks down the film's rating and content warnings. It does not mention any character names or delve into plot points. If necessary, we occasionally include minor spoilers to help keep audiences informed about what they are watching.

Drug references

The show’s main mystery revolves around an organised drug trafficking network, so drugs, especially meth, are regularly referenced in criminal investigations. We are shown white-powdered substances, characters planning deals, and the negative consequences of using and selling. 

Violence

Some of the stronger scenes include:

• The opening scene depicts a bank robbery. At one point, the offender restrains a woman and threatens to use his weapon.
• Armed police shoot an offender. Blood soaks through his shirt from impact.
• A threatening and aggressive character plans to strangle another character with a wire.
• A sudden car crash leaves a passenger injured.
• A masked intruder breaks into someone’s house while they’re at home. The two characters wrestle, smash objects, and hit one another until the intruder breaks free and runs off. Neither party is greatly hurt.
• We are briefly shown close up images of a dead man’s severe burn injuries. 
• A character is tied up, held at knife point, and abducted. They are later rescued. 

Sex scenes

A couple of scenes show characters briefly having sex, with movement and vocalisation clearly indicating sexual acts.

Offensive language

There is frequent offensive language including “s**t”, “f**k”, “f**king”, and "b***h”, used casually and to express frustration.

When content stays with you:

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?