Dead Boy Detectives – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Dead Boy Detectives

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2024

64%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Two ghost teens solve supernatural mysteries in this darkly imaginative Netflix series that's more Tim Burton than Scooby-Doo.

92%

→

Dead Boy Detectives

show

TV-MA, 2024

64%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Two ghost teens solve supernatural mysteries in this darkly imaginative Netflix series that's more Tim Burton than Scooby-Doo.

92%

Jump to

Also rated on

92%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Dead Boy Detectives is a well-crafted supernatural mystery series that knows its audience and delivers quality content for older teens. The 92% critical and audience scores aren't lying—this is good television.

But let's be clear: this isn't for younger kids. The premise alone (dead teenagers) and the age 15+ rating tell you everything you need to know. If your teen enjoys darker supernatural content like Wednesday, Stranger Things, or Lockwood & Co., this hits that sweet spot of spooky-but-not-gratuitous.

The mystery-solving format provides cognitive engagement beyond passive viewing, and the themes of friendship and unfinished business offer some emotional depth. It's imaginative and well-executed, but it's also genuinely dark at times. Not a family movie night pick unless your family skews older and enjoys horror-adjacent content.

For the right teen audience, this is a solid watch. For everyone else, there are lighter supernatural options out there.

Age Fit

This is squarely for older teens (15+) who enjoy supernatural mysteries with darker themes. The premise of dead children solving cases involving death and the supernatural makes it inappropriate for younger viewers, even those who might handle some scary content. Adults who enjoy YA supernatural content will also find it engaging.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Based on the Netflix supernatural mystery series from 2024, this show features two ghost teenagers solving cases. While it models friendship and cooperation between the leads, the premise involves death, ghosts, and darker supernatural themes that skew the emotional tone away from traditionally wholesome content. The Common Sense Media age rating of 15 suggests mature thematic elements. The show does emphasize loyalty and teamwork, but the macabre setting and likely horror elements keep this in the middle range.

Imaginative

A supernatural detective series featuring ghost protagonists solving mysteries is inherently creative and original. The premise invites curiosity about the afterlife, supernatural rules, and mystery-solving. Based on DC Comics characters, it builds on an established universe while creating its own mythology. The combination of detective work and supernatural elements offers strong imaginative appeal, though without specific plot details, we can't confirm how deeply it explores these concepts.

Safe

Common Sense Media's age 15 rating signals significant content concerns. The show almost certainly contains horror elements, potentially scary supernatural imagery, death-related themes, and likely some violence given the detective/mystery genre. While Netflix Kids Mode is available (suggesting some parental controls), the subject matter—ghosts, death, supernatural threats—means younger viewers could encounter frightening or disturbing content. The premise itself centers on dead children, which is heavy thematic material. Not appropriate for unexpected viewing by younger audiences.

Enriching

Mystery-solving narratives can build critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills. The show likely explores themes of friendship, mortality, unfinished business, and justice. The strong critical reception (92% RT critics/audience, 7.5 IMDb) suggests meaningful storytelling beyond pure entertainment. However, without specific plot details, it's unclear how deeply it explores ethical questions or offers genuine insight beyond genre entertainment. The detective format provides problem-solving engagement.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Strong critical reception (92% on RT) suggests quality storytelling and production values
Mystery-solving format encourages critical thinking and deductive reasoning
Explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and unfinished business in creative ways
Offers representation with LGBTQ+ characters and diverse casting
Appeals to teens who enjoy darker, more mature supernatural content without being gratuitously graphic

⚠

What to Watch For

Horror elements and scary supernatural imagery—this isn't light viewing
Central premise involves dead children, which is inherently heavy thematic material
Age 15+ rating means expect mature themes, potentially some violence, and darker emotional content
May be too intense for sensitive viewers even within the target age range

Conversation Starters

"What do you think the show says about unfinished business and why people might become ghosts?"
"How do the detectives approach solving mysteries differently because they're ghosts?"
"What would you do if you could solve mysteries but couldn't interact with the living world normally?"
"The show deals with death pretty directly—how does it make you think about mortality differently?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic