Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Dark Tourist is exactly what it says on the tin: dark. Journalist David Farrier travels to places most of us would never want to visit—nuclear disaster zones, murder tourism sites, death cults, execution viewing rooms—and asks uncomfortable questions about why people are drawn to tragedy as entertainment.

For the right adult viewer, this is genuinely interesting. It's not gratuitously graphic or exploitative; Farrier approaches his subjects with curiosity rather than judgment. The series raises real ethical questions about how we process tragedy, what it means to commodify death, and the weird corners of global tourism culture.

But let's be clear: this is heavy, morbid content. It's rated 17+ for good reason, and even many adults will find it too depressing or disturbing. If you're into unconventional documentaries and have a strong stomach for dark subject matter, it's worth a watch. If you prefer your Netflix binges to not involve nuclear disasters and murder sites, hard pass.

Not for families, not for teens, not for anyone who finds this kind of thing upsetting. But if you're a morbidly curious adult who wonders 'who visits Chernobyl for fun?'—here's your answer.

Age Fit

This is strictly for adults 17+ (and honestly, mature adults at that). The entire premise revolves around death, disaster, and disturbing subject matter. No kids, no teens—this is for grown-ups with strong stomachs and an interest in the macabre side of human culture.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

35

This documentary series follows journalist David Farrier visiting death-centric tourism destinations (nuclear disaster sites, murder scenes, war zones, death cults). While not mean-spirited, the subject matter is inherently morbid and focuses on humanity's fascination with tragedy and death. Not emotionally healthy viewing for most audiences, especially younger ones. The tone is curious rather than exploitative, but it's still fundamentally about dark, disturbing places.

Imaginative

68

The concept is genuinely original—exploring 'dark tourism' as a phenomenon is creative and unusual. Farrier takes viewers to places most would never see (Turkmenistan's dictator monuments, Fukushima exclusion zone, Colombian Pablo Escobar tours). It invites curiosity about unusual subcultures and uncomfortable aspects of tourism. However, it's more observational than participatory; viewers aren't invited to create or build, just observe bizarre realities.

Safe

25

Common Sense Media rates this 17+ for good reason. The series deals with death, disaster sites, executions, cults, and disturbing historical events. While not gratuitously graphic, it features content about mass deaths, nuclear disasters, murder tourism, and potentially triggering subject matter. There's likely profanity and mature themes throughout. This is absolutely not content a young child should stumble upon unexpectedly. The entire premise is built around unsafe, disturbing locations and concepts.

Enriching

62

For mature viewers, this offers genuine insight into human psychology, cultural differences in how societies process tragedy, and ethical questions about commodifying death and disaster. It's educational about geopolitics, history, and the tourism industry's darker corners. However, the entertainment value comes from shock and curiosity rather than deep analysis. Decent ratings (7.4 IMDb, 70% RT critics) suggest it succeeds at making viewers think, but it's not profoundly transformative content.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely unique concept that explores an actual subculture of 'dark tourism' most people don't know exists
Raises interesting ethical questions about how we commodify tragedy and what it means to be a 'tourist' at disaster sites
Takes viewers to bizarre, inaccessible places (Turkmenistan, Fukushima, Colombian cartel sites) with a curious rather than exploitative lens
Solid ratings across the board (7.4 IMDb, 70% critics) suggest it's well-executed for its niche audience

⚠

What to Watch For

This is 17+ content, full stop—the entire series is about death, disasters, executions, and disturbing historical events
Morbid throughout; if you're sensitive to discussions of mass death, nuclear disasters, or murder tourism, this will be deeply uncomfortable
Not graphic in a gore sense, but psychologically heavy—expect discussions of tragedy, dictatorships, and humanity's darkest impulses
Niche appeal: if you're not into macabre curiosity or unconventional travel shows, you'll find this depressing rather than fascinating

Conversation Starters

"Is it ethical to visit places where terrible things happened as a 'tourist'? Where's the line between education and exploitation?"
"Why do you think people are drawn to dark tourism? What does it say about human nature?"
"Some of these destinations profit from tragedy—is that helping communities heal or capitalizing on suffering?"

Stills