The Mole

The Mole

show

12, 2022

WISE
74%

WISE Score

100

Avg. Tomatometer

Netflix's slick reboot of the cult classic where one player sabotages missions while everyone else plays detective—think Clue meets Survivor.

IMDb7.5
RT Critics100%
MC74
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
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Screenwise Verdict

The Mole is that rare reality show that actually exercises your brain instead of just rotting it. The premise is genuinely engaging—one contestant secretly sabotages group challenges while everyone else tries to figure out whodunit—and it invites active viewing rather than passive scrolling.

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though audiences are more divided (66%), likely because it requires patience and attention. This isn't background noise TV; you need to track clues and behavior patterns. For families with teens who devour mystery novels or true crime podcasts, this is gold. You'll all be debating theories at dinner.

The deception element is the only real concern—the whole game rewards lying and manipulation, which is fine in context but might need framing for younger viewers. At 14+, most teens can distinguish game strategy from real-world ethics, but it's worth a conversation. Otherwise, it's refreshingly wholesome for reality TV: no manufactured drama, no cruelty, just clever strategy and beautiful locations.

Solid choice for mystery-loving families with older kids.

Age Fit

Best for teens 14+ who enjoy mystery, strategy, and can handle the psychological tension of deception-based gameplay. Younger kids may struggle with the ethical complexity of 'good lying' in a game context, while older teens and adults will appreciate the cerebral challenge.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
78

Reality competition format built on strategy and deduction rather than cruelty or interpersonal drama. Players work together on challenges while trying to identify the saboteur, modeling teamwork alongside healthy competition. No mean-spirited eliminations or toxic behavior typical of many reality shows. Tone is suspenseful but not aggressive.

Imaginative
72

The core premise—one player secretly sabotaging group missions while everyone else tries to deduce their identity—is genuinely clever and invites active viewing. Challenges require creative problem-solving and strategic thinking. Viewers are encouraged to play detective alongside contestants, making it interactive in a cognitive way. However, it's a reboot of an older format, not groundbreaking.

Safe
85

Common Sense Media rates it 14+, suggesting some strategic tension and mild suspense but no graphic content. Reality competition format means no scripted violence, gore, or sexual content. The 'sabotage' is game-based, not harmful. Netflix Kids Mode availability indicates platform considers it relatively safe. Biggest concern is psychological tension from deception gameplay, which may be unsettling for younger/sensitive viewers.

Enriching
68

Encourages critical thinking, pattern recognition, and deductive reasoning as viewers analyze clues. Models strategic gameplay and demonstrates how to read social cues and behavior. However, it's fundamentally entertainment—there's limited deeper meaning or lasting skill development beyond 'mystery-solving lite.' The deception element could spark conversations about trust and game theory, but enrichment is moderate.

Parent Info

Why It Might Be Great

  • Actually makes you think: kids become active viewers, analyzing behavior and tracking clues to identify the saboteur
  • Refreshingly non-toxic for reality TV—no manufactured drama or cruelty, just strategic gameplay and puzzle-solving
  • Great for families who love mysteries and detective work; everyone can play along and debate theories together
  • High production value with exotic locations and genuinely clever challenges that require teamwork AND suspicion

What to Watch For

  • The entire premise involves lying and deception (even if it's 'just a game'), which might confuse younger kids about trust
  • Tension builds as players get eliminated—sensitive kids may feel anxious about the competitive pressure and mind games
  • Best for teens who can distinguish game strategy from real-world ethics; younger viewers might struggle with the 'good lying' concept

Conversation Starters

  • "Who do you think the Mole is and why? What clues are you noticing?"
  • "How would you feel playing a game where you have to lie to your teammates? Is that different from lying in real life?"
  • "What strategies would you use if you were the Mole? What if you were trying to catch them?"
  • "Do you think it's harder to be the saboteur or the detective? Why?"
Stills
The Mole — still 1
The Mole — still 2
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The Mole — still 7
The Mole — still 8

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