The Midnight Gospel – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Midnight Gospel

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2020

42%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Philosophical podcasts meet psychedelic animation in this adults-only trip through existential questions—definitely not a kids' show despite the cartoons.

91%

8.3

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The Midnight Gospel

show

2020

42%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Philosophical podcasts meet psychedelic animation in this adults-only trip through existential questions—definitely not a kids' show despite the cartoons.

91%

8.3

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91%

8.3

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be crystal clear: this is NOT a kids' show. Yes, it's animated. No, that doesn't make it family-friendly.

The Midnight Gospel is essentially what would happen if someone animated a deep philosophical podcast while on mushrooms. It's genuinely brilliant for the right audience - adults who enjoy contemplative discussions about death, consciousness, Buddhism, and existentialism. The conversations are real interviews with actual experts, and they're often profound.

But it's wrapped in extremely graphic, psychedelic animation featuring violence, disturbing imagery, and chaotic visuals. The juxtaposition of cartoon aesthetics with heavy adult content makes it particularly dangerous for kids who might be drawn in by the animation style.

For mature adults interested in philosophy and spirituality? This is creative, original, and genuinely enriching. For literally anyone under 18? Absolutely not. Keep this one far away from the kids.

Age Fit

This is strictly for adults 18+, despite being animated. The cartoon format is deceptive - this contains mature content including graphic violence, drug discussions, and heavy existential themes that are completely inappropriate for children and teens. It's designed for adults who enjoy philosophical podcasts and psychedelic aesthetics.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The show features psychedelic visuals, existential themes, and adult conversations about death, drugs, and spirituality that are far from emotionally healthy for younger viewers. While it models philosophical curiosity, the chaotic animation style and mature subject matter make it inappropriate for children. The tone is contemplative but wrapped in trippy, sometimes disturbing imagery.

Imaginative

Incredibly original concept combining podcast-style philosophical conversations with surreal, constantly-morphing animation. Each episode explores wildly different worlds and visual styles. The premise of a 'universe simulator' where the protagonist interviews beings across dimensions is genuinely inventive. The show invites deep thinking about existence, consciousness, and reality itself.

Safe

Contains graphic violence, drug references, disturbing imagery, explicit discussions of death and suicide, and mature spiritual/existential content. The psychedelic animation style can be unsettling and disorienting. While not gratuitously inappropriate, it's absolutely not safe for children to stumble upon. The juxtaposition of cartoon aesthetics with heavy adult themes makes it particularly unsafe for younger viewers who might be drawn in by the animation.

Enriching

For mature audiences, this is genuinely enriching - featuring real podcast interviews about meditation, death acceptance, Buddhism, psychedelics, and existential philosophy. The conversations with experts offer meaningful insights about life's biggest questions. However, the enrichment value is completely dependent on the viewer's maturity level and ability to process heavy philosophical content. The entertainment value is high for the right audience but alienating for others.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely original concept that's unlike anything else on television - combines real podcast interviews with surreal animation
Features deep, meaningful conversations with philosophers, meditation teachers, and spiritual leaders about life's biggest questions
The animation is wildly creative and constantly inventive, with each episode exploring completely different visual worlds
For mature viewers interested in Buddhism, existentialism, and consciousness, this offers real intellectual substance wrapped in entertainment
The final episode about death and acceptance is genuinely moving and profound

⚠

What to Watch For

This is 100% adult content - the cartoon format is misleading, as it contains graphic violence, drug references, and deeply mature themes
Heavy discussions of death, suicide, existentialism, and spirituality that require emotional maturity to process
Psychedelic visuals can be disorienting and sometimes disturbing - not for anyone sensitive to chaotic or surreal imagery
The pacing is slow and contemplative - it's essentially watching someone conduct podcast interviews while trippy stuff happens around them
Not everyone will vibe with the stoner-philosophy aesthetic, even among adults

Conversation Starters

"What did you think about the conversation about death and how different cultures approach it?"
"The show uses crazy visuals while discussing serious topics - did that help or distract from the ideas being discussed?"
"Which episode's philosophical questions resonated most with you, and why?"
"How do you think meditation or mindfulness practices could fit into your own life?"

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