Billy Joel: And So It Goes is an upcoming two-part documentary about the legendary American singer-songwriter Billy Joel. This HBO Original docuseries is directed by Emmy winners Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin and gives a deeply personal and emotional look into Billy Joel’s life, struggles, and career.
The documentary is set to premiere on HBO and Max in two parts—Part 1 on July 18, 2025, and Part 2 on July 25, 2025. It first premiered at the Tribeca Festival 2025.
| Title | Billy Joel: And So It Goes |
|---|---|
| Genre | Music Documentary / Biographical |
| Format | Two-Part Documentary |
| Directors | Susan Lacy, Jessica Levin |
| Network | HBO / Max |
| Release Dates | July 18 & July 25, 2025 |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Certification (US) | TV-MA (Mature Audience) |
Billy Joel: And So It Goes Age Rating
The documentary has been officially rated TV-MA by the MPA. This means it is intended for mature audiences only and may not be suitable for viewers under 17. The rating is primarily due to:
- Strong Language
- Mature Thematic Elements (e.g. alcohol abuse, mental health, relationship struggles)
Is Billy Joel: And So It Goes Appropriate for Teens?
Here’s a breakdown by age group:
- Ages 10–12: Not suitable. The documentary contains adult language and explores emotional, personal, and sensitive real-life topics.
- Ages 13–15: Caution advised. Teens who are mature and interested in music history may benefit, but parental guidance is strongly recommended.
- Ages 16+: Suitable. Older teens can appreciate the emotional depth and musical history, especially with adult context.
Billy Joel: And So It Goes Parents Guide
Here is a spoiler-free breakdown of what parents should know:
Violence & Peril
- No graphic violence or disturbing scenes.
- Mentions of past accidents (like a motorcycle crash) and emotional trauma may be intense for younger viewers.
Language
- Strong adult language is present in interviews and storytelling.
- Some uncensored terms are used, often in an emotional or honest context.
Alcohol & Substance Use
- Discussion of alcohol abuse as part of Billy Joel’s past.
- Viewers may see clips or references to alcohol consumption in real-life footage.
Mature Themes
The documentary explores serious real-life issues, such as:
- Depression & emotional vulnerability
- Divorce and broken relationships
- Fame-related stress and isolation
- Alcoholism and personal healing
While there is no graphic or sexual content, these mature topics require emotional maturity to understand.
Tips for Parents
If your teen is a fan of Billy Joel or enjoys music documentaries, this series can be very meaningful. However, it’s best to watch it together and be ready to discuss the more serious parts of Joel’s life story.
- Talk to your teen about the real-life struggles artists face.
- Prepare them for emotional scenes, especially involving addiction and depression.
- Use it as a chance to highlight resilience, artistic growth, and overcoming adversity.
Billy Joel: And So It Goes Official Trailer
The official trailer of Billy Joel: And So It Goes is now available on HBO’s YouTube channel. It gives a touching preview of the emotional storytelling and iconic music featured in the series.
FAQs
Q: What is the official age rating of Billy Joel: And So It Goes?
A: It is rated TV-MA for mature themes and strong language.
Q: Does the documentary include graphic or violent content?
A: No. There is no physical violence or graphic imagery, but emotional topics are explored.
Q: Can teens watch Billy Joel: And So It Goes?
A: Teens aged 16 and above may find it engaging, but younger teens should only watch with adult guidance.
Q: Are there sexual scenes in the documentary?
A: No. The series focuses on relationships but avoids explicit sexual content.
Q: Where can I watch it?
A: On HBO and Max – Part 1 premieres on July 18, 2025, and Part 2 follows on July 25, 2025.