The Irregulars – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Irregulars

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2021

38%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Supernatural Sherlock spin-off that critics liked but audiences didn't—and Netflix axed after one season.

80%

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The Irregulars

show

TV-14, 2021

38%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Supernatural Sherlock spin-off that critics liked but audiences didn't—and Netflix axed after one season.

80%

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80%

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the thing: this show had a cool concept—street kids as the real heroes behind Sherlock Holmes, with supernatural horror thrown in. Critics were into it (80% on RT). But actual viewers? Not so much (52%).

That gap tells you everything. The execution probably didn't match the premise. And Netflix agreed, cancelling it after one season, which means your teen will invest time in a story that goes nowhere.

Add in the horror elements, manipulation themes, and generally grim Victorian vibes, and you've got a show that's too dark for younger teens but not compelling enough for older ones. It's stuck in no-man's-land.

If your 15-year-old is specifically into dark fantasy and doesn't mind cliffhangers, maybe. But honestly? There are better supernatural teen shows that actually got to finish their stories.

Age Fit

Best for 14-17 year olds who specifically enjoy dark supernatural content and won't be bothered by an unresolved ending. Younger teens will find it too intense; older teens and adults likely won't find it compelling enough to commit (hence the cancellation).

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Dark, grim Victorian setting with troubled street teens being manipulated by adults. Themes include exploitation, supernatural horror elements, and a generally bleak tone. While there may be found-family dynamics among the teens, the overall emotional landscape skews toward trauma and manipulation rather than healthy modeling of relationships.

Imaginative

Creative reimagining of Sherlock Holmes mythology with supernatural twist is genuinely inventive. Flipping the script to center the Baker Street Irregulars as protagonists rather than background characters shows originality. The blend of Victorian mystery with horror and fantasy elements invites curiosity, though execution may vary based on audience reception (52% RT audience score suggests mixed results).

Safe

Common Sense Media rates this 14+, indicating mature content. 'Horrifying supernatural edge' and 'dark power' suggest jump scares, potentially disturbing imagery, and horror elements that could be triggering. The premise involves teens being 'manipulated' which implies psychological manipulation themes. Victorian-era crime solving likely includes violence and death. Not appropriate for unexpected viewing by younger audiences.

Enriching

Some potential for critical thinking through mystery-solving and discussion of exploitation/power dynamics. However, the 6.1 IMDb and 52% audience score suggest the show doesn't fully deliver on its premise. May spark conversations about class, agency, and Victorian history, but entertainment value appears inconsistent based on the critic-audience gap (80% critics vs 52% audience). Cancelled after one season suggests limited lasting impact.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely creative premise that centers marginalized characters (street teens) in a classic detective universe
Blends mystery, supernatural horror, and Victorian atmosphere for teens who like darker fantasy
Could spark interest in Sherlock Holmes lore and Victorian-era social issues
Found-family dynamics among the street teens may resonate with older viewers

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What to Watch For

Horror elements and 'horrifying supernatural edge' mean jump scares and potentially disturbing imagery—not for sensitive viewers
Themes of adults manipulating vulnerable teens could be heavy
Cancelled after one season means no resolution—frustrating cliffhanger likely
That 28-point gap between critic and audience scores? Yeah, that's a red flag about watchability

Conversation Starters

"What do you think about Watson and Holmes using these kids to solve crimes? Is that exploitation or opportunity?"
"How would you survive on Victorian London streets if you were their age?"
"Why do you think the show got cancelled when critics liked it but regular viewers didn't?"
"What makes something 'too dark' versus 'appropriately dark' for a teen show?"

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