Newtopia – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Newtopia

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2025

52%

WISE Score

Zombie apocalypse meets rom-com in a Seoul high-rise—love and gore collide in this K-drama survival thriller.

Newtopia

show

NR, 2025

52%

WISE Score

Zombie apocalypse meets rom-com in a Seoul high-rise—love and gore collide in this K-drama survival thriller.

Jump to

Also rated on

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Newtopia is a solid pick if your teen likes zombie shows and you're okay with the gore. It's got decent production, a unique romantic angle, and enough action to keep older kids engaged.

That said, this is not a family-friendly watch. The violence is graphic, the tone is dark, and younger kids will have nightmares. Common Sense Media suggests 11+, but honestly, 13+ feels safer unless your kid is already deep into horror.

It's entertaining but not particularly enriching—think popcorn TV with blood splatter. If your teen is into Train to Busan or All of Us Are Dead, they'll probably enjoy this. If they're sensitive to scary stuff or you're hoping for something wholesome, keep scrolling.

Age Fit

Best for teens 13+ who enjoy action-horror and can handle graphic zombie content. The romantic subplot adds emotional stakes, but the violence is front and center. Younger kids will find it too intense, and tweens under 13 should skip it unless they're already seasoned horror fans.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A zombie apocalypse romance that blends survival horror with relationship drama. The core emotional arc—a couple fighting to reunite amid chaos—models determination and loyalty, but the relentless violence, gore, and dark tone undercut traditional wholesome markers. The pacing is intense rather than balanced, and while characters show growth under pressure, the setting is fundamentally bleak. Not toxic, but far from emotionally gentle.

Imaginative

Combines zombie horror with romantic comedy in a high-rise military setting, which is a fresh twist on the genre. The premise invites viewers to imagine survival scenarios and creative problem-solving under extreme constraints. However, it's more about consuming a pre-built narrative than sparking open-ended creative expression or exploration. Strong production values and genre-blending earn points, but it's not deeply original—zombie apocalypse stories are well-trodden ground.

Safe

Graphic zombie violence, blood, gore, and monster attacks make this a hard no for younger viewers. Common Sense Media suggests 11+ from one parent review, but the content warnings are significant: relentless survival horror, scary scenes, and occasional strong language. This is not something a young child should stumble into. The romantic tension is mild compared to the violence, but the overall intensity and graphic content push this firmly into unsafe territory for kids under 11-13.

Enriching

Offers some character growth and explores themes of perseverance, loyalty, and leadership under pressure. The survival scenario can prompt discussions about crisis response and human connection in extreme circumstances. However, the primary appeal is entertainment—action-packed zombie battles and romantic tension—rather than deep cognitive or ethical takeaways. It's engaging for teens who enjoy the genre, but not particularly skill-building or insight-rich.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Fresh genre mash-up: romantic comedy beats inside a zombie horror framework keep things unpredictable
Strong production values and action sequences make it visually engaging for older teens
Character growth under pressure—watching reluctant soldiers become leaders offers some emotional depth
Eight 52-minute episodes means it's bingeable without overstaying its welcome

⚠

What to Watch For

Graphic zombie violence, blood, and gore throughout—this is not a metaphorical apocalypse
Scary scenes and relentless survival tension may be too intense for kids under 13
Romantic subplot is mild but the horror elements dominate, so don't expect a light watch
Some strong language and dark humor that won't land with younger viewers

Conversation Starters

"If you were trapped in a building during a zombie outbreak, what's the first thing you'd do?"
"Do you think Jae-yoon and Young-joo's relationship makes them stronger or puts them at risk in a crisis?"
"How would you lead a group of survivors if everyone was scared and didn't know what to do?"
"What's scarier to you—zombies or being separated from someone you care about?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Newtopia? Put this WISE score on your site