The Uncanny Counter – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Uncanny Counter

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2020

58%

WISE Score

IMDb

Korean demon-hunting squad runs a noodle shop by day—think Buffy meets K-drama, with more possession and less vampire romance.

8/10

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The Uncanny Counter

show

TV-14, 2020

58%

WISE Score

IMDb

Korean demon-hunting squad runs a noodle shop by day—think Buffy meets K-drama, with more possession and less vampire romance.

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Screenwise Verdict

The Uncanny Counter is a solid K-drama supernatural thriller that landed on Netflix and found an audience for good reason. The premise is fun—demon hunters disguised as noodle shop employees—and the execution is slick with good action and compelling character dynamics.

But let's be clear: this is not for kids. The horror label is earned, with demon possession, violence, and genuinely creepy moments throughout. Common Sense Media's 15+ recommendation is spot-on. If your teen is into Korean dramas, supernatural action, and can handle scary content, this delivers. If they're sensitive to horror or under 14, skip it.

For older teens and adults who enjoy the genre, it's entertaining and well-made. Just don't let younger siblings wander into the room during a possession scene.

Age Fit

Best for teens 15 and up who enjoy supernatural K-dramas and can handle horror elements. The demon possession, violence, and scary sequences make this too intense for middle schoolers, despite the teen protagonist. Adults who love Korean action-fantasy will enjoy it too.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The show centers on a found-family dynamic of demon hunters who run a noodle shop, modeling teamwork and mentorship. The protagonist is a high schooler with a disability who gains supernatural abilities, and the group works together to protect humans from evil spirits. However, the action-horror genre means emotional tone skews darker with violence, death, and demonic possession themes that undercut pure wholesomeness. The cooperative spirit and positive relationships are strong, but the context is grim.

Imaginative

Korean supernatural action series with a creative premise: everyday people moonlighting as demon hunters with special powers. The dual-identity setup (noodle shop by day, spirit warriors by night) is inventive, and the Korean folklore-inspired mythology adds cultural texture. The fantasy world-building around spirits, possession, and counter abilities invites curiosity. Not groundbreaking in the genre, but solid execution with visual flair and interesting power dynamics.

Safe

This is where The Uncanny Counter stumbles for younger viewers. Labeled as Action/Fantasy/Horror with Common Sense Media recommending 15+, it features demon possession, violence (including fights and injuries), death of characters, and horror elements that can be genuinely scary. While not gratuitously gory, the show has intense sequences, dark themes around evil spirits preying on humans, and emotional trauma. For teens 15+ who know what they're signing up for, it's fine—but younger kids stumbling upon this on Netflix would encounter unexpected scares and violence.

Enriching

The show explores themes of justice, found family, disability representation (protagonist uses a leg brace), and standing up against evil. There's character growth as the teen protagonist learns to use his powers and work with his team. The Korean cultural elements and folklore provide some educational value. However, it's primarily entertainment-driven action-horror—you're here for demon fights and supernatural thrills, not deep philosophical insights. Solid on empathy and teamwork, lighter on meaningful takeaways beyond 'good vs evil.'

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Unique Korean folklore-inspired supernatural premise with demon hunters hiding in plain sight
Strong found-family dynamics and mentorship between the Counter team members
Disability representation with a protagonist who has a leg brace and gains confidence through his powers
Well-executed action sequences and visual effects for the demon-fighting scenes
Solid IMDb rating (8.0) suggests engaging storytelling that keeps viewers hooked

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What to Watch For

Horror and demon possession scenes that can be genuinely frightening—this isn't light fantasy
Violence throughout, including fight scenes, injuries, and character deaths
Dark themes around evil spirits preying on vulnerable humans and emotional trauma
Common Sense Media recommends 15+ for good reason—younger teens may find it too intense

Conversation Starters

"The main character has a disability but becomes powerful—how do you think that affects his confidence and how others see him?"
"The Counters have to keep their demon-hunting secret. Would you be able to live a double life like that?"
"The show explores what makes someone evil versus just troubled. Where's the line?"
"How does Korean folklore and mythology in this show compare to supernatural stories you know from other cultures?"

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