Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the deal: this show was cancelled after 8 episodes in 2008, which should tell you everything you need to know. The premise is cool—immortal detective, historical flashbacks, romantic curse—but the execution was apparently mediocre enough that Fox pulled the plug immediately.

Even if you're intrigued by the concept, you're signing up for an incomplete story from 17 years ago with 2008-era production values and network TV constraints. The 50% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes confirms this wasn't some hidden gem that deserved better.

For parents: this is 16+ content with crime violence and murder investigations, so definitely not for younger kids. But honestly, the bigger issue is that it's just not worth tracking down. There are dozens of better shows—both procedurals and supernatural dramas—that actually got to finish their stories and hold up better today.

The WISE score reflects both the mediocre content (crime procedural with limited enrichment) and the massive watchability penalty for being an obscure, cancelled, dated show that modern audiences have zero interest in.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media pegs this at 16+ due to crime violence and mature themes. Honestly though, this is more of a curiosity for TV history buffs than something teens are going to seek out in 2025.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

55

As a crime procedural centered on homicide investigations, the show inherently deals with death and violence. While the immortal detective angle adds a romantic twist, the core content involves murder cases that may not model particularly wholesome themes. The premise of searching for 'true love' to break a curse adds some emotional depth, but the dark subject matter keeps this from scoring higher.

Imaginative

68

The concept of an immortal detective who has lived since 1642 is genuinely creative and invites interesting storytelling possibilities about history, perspective, and mortality. The blend of procedural crime-solving with supernatural romance and historical flashbacks shows originality. However, it's still fundamentally a network TV procedural format, which limits how far it can push boundaries.

Safe

45

Common Sense Media rates this for 16+, and as a homicide detective show, it contains crime scene violence, dead bodies, and potentially disturbing content. The premise involves a massacre of indigenous people in the opening, which could be triggering. Network TV constraints likely kept gore minimal, but the subject matter—murder investigations—means this isn't safe for younger viewers and could have unexpected violent or dark content.

Enriching

52

The historical immortality angle could provide some perspective on how the world has changed over centuries, and crime procedurals can offer problem-solving elements. However, critics gave it mixed reviews (62% RT, 63 Metacritic) and audiences were lukewarm (50% RT audience), suggesting it didn't execute its premise in particularly enriching ways. It's entertainment-first with limited deeper takeaways.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely creative premise mixing historical immortality with modern crime procedural
Could spark discussions about history, mortality, and what it means to live for centuries
The romantic quest angle adds emotional stakes beyond typical cop shows
IMDb rating of 7.4 suggests some viewers found it engaging

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What to Watch For

Homicide investigations mean dead bodies, crime scenes, and dark subject matter throughout
Opening premise involves a massacre of Native Americans, which is heavy content
Cancelled after 8 episodes—you're getting an incomplete story with no resolution
2008 production values and storytelling style feel very dated by 2025 standards
50% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes tells you this didn't land for most people

Conversation Starters

"If you could live forever but had to wait for one specific thing to happen, what would make it worth it?"
"How do you think someone from the 1600s would react to modern New York City?"
"What would be the hardest part about watching everyone you know grow old while you stay the same?"

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