Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2024

48%

WISE Score

True-crime docuseries about the psychologist who pioneered criminal profiling—fascinating for adults, way too dark for kids.

Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer

show

TV-MA, 2024

48%

WISE Score

True-crime docuseries about the psychologist who pioneered criminal profiling—fascinating for adults, way too dark for kids.

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this isn't for kids, and we're not going to pretend otherwise. This is a well-made documentary about serial killers, victim trauma, and the psychologist who changed criminal profiling forever. The reviews are solid, the subject matter is genuinely educational, and Dr. Burgess's story deserves to be told.

But it's heavy. Really heavy. If you've got a mature high schooler interested in psychology or criminal justice, this could be valuable viewing—with the understanding that you're diving into humanity's darkest corners. For adults who love true crime with substance, this is apparently a cut above the exploitation stuff.

Just don't let your middle schooler stumble onto this because it's on Hulu. This is 15+ for a reason, and honestly, 17+ makes more sense for most families.

Age Fit

This is firmly adult content, appropriate for mature 15-year-olds at the absolute youngest—and really better suited for 17+ or adults. If your teen is into true crime or considering psychology/criminology fields, this could be educational. But if they're just curious about serial killers for shock value, hard pass.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

This is a true-crime docuseries about serial killers and their victims' trauma. While it focuses on the pioneering work of Dr. Ann Burgess, the subject matter inherently involves disturbing criminal psychology, violence against victims, and damaged psyches. Not emotionally healthy content for most viewers, especially younger audiences. The tone is serious and investigative rather than exploitative, but it's fundamentally about humanity's darkest impulses.

Imaginative

Offers a fresh perspective on criminal profiling history through Dr. Burgess's groundbreaking work. The concept of 'thinking like a killer' to stop them is intellectually intriguing and presents investigative psychology in a novel way. However, it's documentary format rather than creative storytelling, so imagination is more about understanding real-world innovation than fictional creativity.

Safe

This is a true-crime series about serial killers - definitionally unsafe for younger viewers. Common Sense Media rates it 15+, which tracks. Expect discussions of real murders, victim trauma, and the psychology of violent criminals. While likely not gratuitously graphic (it's on Hulu, not a horror channel), the content involves real violence, death, and psychological damage. Parents need to know exactly what they're getting into.

Enriching

Highly educational about criminal psychology, forensic science, and the history of criminal profiling. Dr. Burgess is a real pioneer whose work changed law enforcement. Viewers learn about investigative techniques, psychological analysis, and how scientific approaches revolutionized crime-solving. The 7.6 IMDb and 75 Metacritic scores suggest solid execution. For mature teens and adults interested in psychology or criminal justice, this offers genuine insight into an important field.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Spotlights Dr. Ann Burgess, a genuine pioneer whose work revolutionized how we catch serial killers
Educational deep-dive into criminal psychology and forensic investigation techniques
Strong critical reception (7.6 IMDb, 75 Metacritic) suggests quality storytelling
Could spark interest in psychology, criminology, or forensic science for older teens considering career paths
Presents a woman's groundbreaking contributions to a male-dominated field

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What to Watch For

This is about serial killers and their victims—expect disturbing content about real crimes and trauma
15+ minimum, and even then only for teens with genuine interest and emotional maturity
Not background TV—this requires active engagement with heavy subject matter
May trigger anxiety or disturbing thoughts, especially for viewers with trauma history

Conversation Starters

"What do you think it takes emotionally to study the minds of violent criminals every day?"
"How did Dr. Burgess's approach change the way police investigate crimes?"
"Why do you think it's important to understand criminal psychology rather than just punish crimes?"
"Would you ever want to work in a field like forensic psychology? What appeals or doesn't appeal to you about it?"

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