Parents' Guide to The Breakthrough

TV Netflix Drama 2025
The Breakthrough TV show poster: two middle-aged White men looking in different directions

Common Sense Media Review

Megan Andersen By Megan Andersen , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Strong emotions, language in Swedish double murder story.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

THE BREAKTHROUGH, based on a true story, is about a double murder that takes place in Linkoping, Sweden. The head investigator spends 16 years and sacrifices his family to solve the case and to keep his promise to the families of the stabbing victims. An unconventional method is used to find the murderer.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

This four-part series that follows Sweden's second largest criminal investigation is compassionate, tidy, and easy to watch for fans of Nordic noir. While The Breakthrough's topic is a double murder investigation, it isn't graphic, and the dialogue and acting are convincing without being over-the-top.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how many relationships were affected by the murders. An older man loses his wife, a young family loses their young son, and the lead investigator loses his wife and newborn. How would your family show comfort to a neighbor, relative, or friend who lost their spouse or child?

  • This show features new technology and systems to solve an almost cold case. How willing are you and your family when it comes to trying new things? Do you generally keep an open mind?

  • A reporter nearly jeopardizes the investigation by prioritizing her story over the outcome of the case. When it comes to priorities, how do your family members agree on rules, jobs, and other big issues?

TV Details

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The Breakthrough TV show poster: two middle-aged White men looking in different directions

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