Eric

What’s it about?

In 1980s Manhattan, 9-year-old Edgar goes missing. His grief-stricken father, Vincent, is a puppeteer on a popular children's TV show, and finds comfort in his friendship with Eric, the creature living underneath Edgar's bed. As Vincent looks for answers about Edgar's disappearance, he finds himself in the dark underbelly of a corrupt city, discovering that the true monsters are closer to home than he knew. Detective Ledroit, who is investigating NYPD corruption, gets involved in Edgar's case, but has to face his own private secrets in the process.

The facts

• Directed by Lucy Forbes (This is Going to Hurt, The End of the F***ing World)
• Starring Benedict Cumberbatch
• English language
• Runtime: six episodes, approximately 53 minutes each
• Netflix original

Why did it get this rating?

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

Drug use

One character frequently drinks alcohol throughout the series and eventually enters rehab. They are shown as intoxicated with several aggressive outbursts and difficulty walking upstairs. They are also shown smoking and snorting cocaine.

Offensive language

Offensive language such as “f**k” and “s**t” is often used during casual conversation, to express characters’ feelings and as threatening insults. Homophobic slurs are used in a harmful way that is likely to impact younger viewers.

Violence

Some scenes contain physical violence, including one where a videotape is played and a character is shown being kicked and beaten to death. While most of his body is hidden behind a dumpster, it is still clear what is happening.

Suicide references

One of the characters dies after jumping from a window. Their body is not shown, but you can hear people screaming from the sidewalk below.

Helplines:

Suicide references and drug and alcohol use could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through, or know someone who has 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:

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

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