His Dark Materials – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

His Dark Materials

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2019

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Epic fantasy about parallel worlds and stolen children—think Narnia meets The Golden Compass (because it IS The Golden Compass), but darker and heavier.

7.7/10

83%

7.9

→

His Dark Materials

show

TV-14, 2019

62%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Epic fantasy about parallel worlds and stolen children—think Narnia meets The Golden Compass (because it IS The Golden Compass), but darker and heavier.

7.7

83%

7.9

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7.7/10

83%

7.9

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Screenwise Verdict

His Dark Materials is legitimately excellent fantasy television with gorgeous world-building and meaty philosophical themes—but it's also genuinely dark and intense. This isn't Harry Potter-level accessible family viewing.

The central plot about kidnapped children being experimented on is disturbing by design, and the show doesn't shy away from violence, parental betrayal, or challenging religious authority. If you've got a mature 13+ teen who loves complex fantasy and can handle heavy themes, this is enriching, thought-provoking television that treats young viewers as intelligent.

But if you're looking for lighter family fantasy night fare, this ain't it. The "dark" in the title is truth in advertising. It's the kind of show that sparks amazing conversations about free will, power, and morality—if your kid is ready for those conversations. Otherwise, bookmark it for a few years.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13-17 who can handle dark fantasy themes and complex moral questions. The child abduction plot and intense themes make this too heavy for preteens, while older teens will appreciate the philosophical depth and sophisticated storytelling.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The show features complex moral themes and explores heavy topics like child abduction, parental betrayal, and war against celestial powers. While it models courage and friendship between Lyra and Will, the dark tone, sinister plot elements, and themes of stolen children create an emotionally intense atmosphere that may be challenging for younger viewers. The parallel universe setting with intertwined science, theology, and magic offers interesting philosophical depth but the overall tone skews dark rather than emotionally nurturing.

Imaginative

Exceptionally imaginative world-building with parallel universes, daemons (physical manifestations of souls), a mysterious substance called Dust, and a knife that cuts between worlds. The blend of science, theology, and magic creates a rich, original fantasy landscape that invites curiosity and wonder. The quest structure and multi-world exploration naturally encourage imaginative thinking about alternate realities and metaphysical concepts. Based on Philip Pullman's acclaimed novels, known for creative depth.

Safe

Significant safety concerns for younger viewers: the central plot involves kidnapped and stolen children (inherently disturbing), sinister experimentation themes, war and violence across multiple worlds, and complex religious/theological conflict that includes fighting celestial powers. The show deals with parental abandonment and betrayal. Without specific content ratings provided, but knowing the source material and synopsis, this contains intense themes, likely violence, and potentially scary imagery that would be unexpected and inappropriate for children under 12-13. Not a casual family watch.

Enriching

Highly enriching for mature viewers who can handle the content. Explores deep philosophical questions about free will, consciousness (Dust), the nature of authority, coming-of-age, and moral complexity. The story challenges viewers to think critically about institutional power, destiny vs. choice, and ethical decision-making. Strong character development and complex narrative reward engaged viewing. TMDB rating of 7.862 suggests quality production. However, the dark themes require maturity to fully appreciate the enrichment value.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Incredibly imaginative world-building with daemons, parallel universes, and reality-bending knives that'll blow minds
Tackles big philosophical questions about free will, consciousness, and authority in ways that spark deep conversations with mature teens
Strong female protagonist in Lyra who's clever, brave, and flawed—great role model for complex heroism
High production value BBC/HBO series that respects the intelligence of its audience and source material
Encourages critical thinking about power, institutions, and moral complexity rather than simple good-vs-evil narratives

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What to Watch For

The child abduction plot is genuinely disturbing—this isn't light fantasy fare, and younger kids will find it scary and upsetting
Heavy religious and anti-authoritarian themes that challenge organized religion may spark questions (or controversy depending on your household)
Fantasy violence and war scenes across multiple episodes—people and creatures die, sometimes in intense ways
Parental betrayal and abandonment themes hit hard emotionally; not great for kids dealing with family instability
This is a commitment—complex plot requiring attention and maturity to follow and appreciate

Conversation Starters

"If you had a daemon like Lyra does, what animal do you think it would be and why?"
"The show explores whether we control our own destiny or if it's predetermined—what do you think about that?"
"How do you feel about the way the story portrays authority and institutions? Do you think questioning authority is always good?"
"Lyra's parents make some really questionable choices—how do you think that affects her and her decisions?"
"What would you do if you could cut windows between worlds? Where would you go?"

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