Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, Lucifer is a fun, binge-worthy show for adults and older teens—but let's be crystal clear: this is NOT appropriate for kids or young teens, full stop. The premise might sound like campy supernatural fun, but it's essentially a sexy crime drama where the main character runs a nightclub, is constantly shirtless, and his superpower is literally making people confess their deepest desires (usually sexual).

The show does have genuine merit for mature viewers: the character development is surprisingly good, the exploration of redemption and free will can be thought-provoking, and Tom Ellis is undeniably charismatic. But every episode features adult content—sexual situations, crime scenes, nightclub debauchery, and themes that require real emotional maturity to process.

If you have a 16 or 17-year-old who's already watching shows like The Vampire Diaries or Supernatural, this could work with a conversation about what they're seeing. But if your kid stumbles on this thinking it's a fun fantasy show about angels and demons? Nope. That 'kids mode available' flag is misleading—this should be locked behind parental controls.

Bottom line: Great adult entertainment with some thoughtful themes, but keep it far away from younger viewers.

Age Fit

This is strictly for older teens (16+) and adults. The constant sexual content, adult nightclub lifestyle, and mature themes make it inappropriate for anyone younger, regardless of how comfortable they are with fantasy violence.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

35

The show centers on the literal Devil running a nightclub and solving crimes, with heavy themes of temptation, manipulation, and moral ambiguity. While Lucifer develops emotionally over the series and explores redemption, the tone is decidedly adult with constant sexual innuendo, partying, and morally gray behavior modeled as charming. Not emotionally healthy for younger viewers.

Imaginative

72

Creative premise that blends biblical mythology with modern crime procedural. The fantasy elements of Heaven, Hell, angels, and demons interacting with contemporary LA is genuinely inventive. The show explores theological concepts in unexpected ways and creates an imaginative world where celestial beings have complex personalities and motivations.

Safe

25

This is decidedly NOT safe for children. The show features frequent sexual content, nudity, graphic violence, adult nightclub scenes, substance use, and mature themes around sexuality, death, and hell. While not gratuitously gory, crime scenes show victims and violence. The devil's nightclub lifestyle includes constant partying and sexual situations. This would be highly inappropriate for unexpected viewing by children.

Enriching

58

For mature teens and adults, the show does explore interesting themes of redemption, free will, identity, and whether people can change. The detective work involves problem-solving, and character arcs show genuine growth. However, the entertainment value leans heavily on charm and procedural formula rather than deep insight. The theological exploration is more playful than profound.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

For older teens (16+), explores interesting questions about redemption, identity, and whether people can truly change
Creative blend of biblical mythology and crime procedural that's genuinely inventive
Strong character development over six seasons, with Lucifer's emotional growth being surprisingly compelling
Can spark conversations about morality, free will, and consequences with mature teens

⚠

What to Watch For

Constant sexual content, innuendo, and nightclub scenes—this is NOT a family show despite the supernatural premise
Graphic crime scenes with dead bodies and violence throughout
The protagonist literally runs a nightclub and his lifestyle glorifies partying, drinking, and casual sex
Mature themes around sexuality, religion, and morality that require significant emotional maturity
Despite having 'kids mode available' on streaming platforms, this should absolutely not be watched by kids

Conversation Starters

"What do you think the show is saying about whether people can change who they are?"
"How does Lucifer's view of punishment and justice differ from the human characters?"
"Do you think the show takes the religious elements seriously or is it mostly using them for entertainment?"
"Why do you think Chloe is the only person who makes Lucifer vulnerable?"

Stills

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