Cape Fear, Season 1, Episode 1
NZ release: 25 June 2026
Violence, suicide and content that may disturb Rated on: 05 June 2026
Season 1, Episode 1, “Fingers & Toes”
What’s it about?
Max Cady is in prison for killing his pregnant wife. When his ex-girlfriend confesses to the killing, Max is released and seeks revenge on the married lawyers that were involved in his case.
The facts
- Executive produced by Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg
- First episode directed by Morten Tydlum
- Starring Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men), Amy Adams (Arrival), and Patrick Wilson (Fargo)
- English language
- Runtime: 55 minutes
- Based on Scorsese’s 1991 film, Cape Fear, starring Robert De Niro, which was a remake of the 1962 film starring Robert Mitchum
Why did it get this rating?
This series was self-rated by Apple TV. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.
Suicide
In addition to the content warning, Apple has a pre-screen warning advising viewer discretion for the suicide content in this episode. While the scene happens in dim lighting, it is graphic. We see a character deeply upset as they write what appears to be a suicide note. They then shoot themself twice, and we are shown the enormous wound left in their face after the first bullet, and massive blood splatter on the wall behind them after the second. It is intense both emotionally and graphically.
Violence and content that may disturb
This is a creepy show with some standard horror tropes to unnerve the viewer. Expect a few jump scares, body horror, and a menacing soundtrack.
The threat of violence is simmering throughout this episode, and the suspense builds. Acts of violence are mostly described rather than shown, but there are some gruesome descriptions of murder and assaults. Some of the strongest scenes include:
- Wild animals are found drowned in a swimming pool.
- A teenager is shown looking up disturbing content online, including viewing photos of a brutally murdered dead body. They also play a graphic first-person-shooter video game.
- A character is revealed to have had their toe cut off, leaving a very bloody wound.
Drug use
A teenager is shown to be in a confused and near un-responsive state, and it is assumed he has taken some sort of drug. This is scary for his family members who find him.
Offensive language
Characters say “sh*t” and “f*ck” when they are under stress.
Helplines
The suicide content could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:
Further information
Recent featured decisions
Offensive language, content that may disturb, and violence
On 21 December 1988, flight Pan Am 103 explodes over the small Scottish town of Lockerbie. This miniseries shows the devastating effect it had on the town and the dozens of families who lost loved ones, and the years-long investigation for local police and the FBI to find out who was responsible.
Violence
A forgotten Peter Parker lives alone as a full-time Spider-Man until mounting pressure triggers a dangerous change, and a powerful new enemy emerges.