175 reviews
Dead Boy Detectives is a decently fast-paced show with lots of well written characters and a great storyline.
It is set in The Sandman universe, but how exactly it fits within the timeline, I am not sure.
It has been a while since I watched The Sandman though.
This show has everything I would want from entertainment. Supernatural creatures, Ghosts, Witches and Mediums? I'm in. There is queer representation? Not only that, the queerness isn't ignored, the butt of a joke, but just another way of being? Take all my money.
After rewatching it for several times, you really start to notice all the little details that everyone involved put into this masterpiece. The acting is very good, the costume department went above and beyond and the set designs?? Gorgeous.
Everything has it ups and downs ofcourse, which is why I gave it a 9/10 instead of a 10/10. There is always room for improvement.
Without delving too far into spoiler territory, everything hell related could have been... stretched out more? I would have loved it if we got to see more of hell and all it entails for 2 episodes instead of just 1.
This brilliant show truly deserves all the attention it's getting. I absolutely love it, and would love it even more if we get to see even more of the Agency and their adventures!
It is set in The Sandman universe, but how exactly it fits within the timeline, I am not sure.
It has been a while since I watched The Sandman though.
This show has everything I would want from entertainment. Supernatural creatures, Ghosts, Witches and Mediums? I'm in. There is queer representation? Not only that, the queerness isn't ignored, the butt of a joke, but just another way of being? Take all my money.
After rewatching it for several times, you really start to notice all the little details that everyone involved put into this masterpiece. The acting is very good, the costume department went above and beyond and the set designs?? Gorgeous.
Everything has it ups and downs ofcourse, which is why I gave it a 9/10 instead of a 10/10. There is always room for improvement.
Without delving too far into spoiler territory, everything hell related could have been... stretched out more? I would have loved it if we got to see more of hell and all it entails for 2 episodes instead of just 1.
This brilliant show truly deserves all the attention it's getting. I absolutely love it, and would love it even more if we get to see even more of the Agency and their adventures!
- nanitheducc
- Jul 5, 2024
- Permalink
The show is fun, I love the special effects, I love the characters.
It's gory and campy in just the right amounts for me. The soundtrack is nice.
It has Ruth Connell.
The first episode didn't catch me, but after the second I couldn't stop watching. I binged the show in two days.
It's not perfect at all, but it's not claiming to be and it's an overall great experience and definitely worth a watch (or three in my case).
I hope there's going to be more because I want to know what happens next. I want to see all the relationships unfold and develop, because that's a thing the show does, there's so much interpersonal development going on.
If you like supernatural themes, ghosts and witches and you're into quirky and diverse characters then this is the right show for you.
It's gory and campy in just the right amounts for me. The soundtrack is nice.
It has Ruth Connell.
The first episode didn't catch me, but after the second I couldn't stop watching. I binged the show in two days.
It's not perfect at all, but it's not claiming to be and it's an overall great experience and definitely worth a watch (or three in my case).
I hope there's going to be more because I want to know what happens next. I want to see all the relationships unfold and develop, because that's a thing the show does, there's so much interpersonal development going on.
If you like supernatural themes, ghosts and witches and you're into quirky and diverse characters then this is the right show for you.
- yesterdaysfish
- Jul 19, 2024
- Permalink
Please omg this show is so refreshing, like I don't usually write review for any show BUT damn whoever made this is a genius. It's so fresh and fast, there's no boring moment. I hope there will be a season 2 cause I am genuinely attached to the characters I wanna see more of it.
I not just need season 2, we need more than 2 seasons cause it has so much potential to be a proper detective series. I love the acting I love how every guy is handsome/cute in this show as well as women are gorgeous. I really hope they continue the series cause I'm hooked and already excited to see the characters again.
I not just need season 2, we need more than 2 seasons cause it has so much potential to be a proper detective series. I love the acting I love how every guy is handsome/cute in this show as well as women are gorgeous. I really hope they continue the series cause I'm hooked and already excited to see the characters again.
- iqrarajput-42510
- Jul 8, 2024
- Permalink
After reading all the reviews comparing this to Lockwood, I wouldnt base your enjoyment of this series on these comparisons. I also think there's some attachment bias when they state Lockwood is better. It was first, and they're probably a little aggravated, understandably so, that their series was cancelled and Dead Boy isn't filling the gap of unfinished business or story completion they're yearning for. And I agree. Cancelling good series is frustrating.
They can be forgiven for making the comparison, since at the very base the comparison is tempting due to the ghost theme and the makeup of the team. But the similarities end there.
Dead Boy Detectives (dbd) is fantasy based. Witches, faeries, elementals, gods, etc Lockwood is more horror / ghost focused.
Dead Boy is current day, mystery focused. Detectives rather than investigators Lockwood is more dystopian future focused. They're more agents fighting a war than detectives. I would argue that there are plenty of movies that do Lockwood theme. It's not at all unique.
Dead boy is more light hearted Lockwood focuses more on tense scenes and dread.
Dead boy characters are more likeable. I really haven't grown to like any of the Lockwood main characters. And I find the acting in Lockwood can frequently be a bit stilted. Not terrible, but just enough to give the edge to Dead Boy on acting/directing. It's more fluid, and the characters that come across as stilted, feel purposefully directed that way as part of their character awkwardness. I also find Lockwood really stretches to justify doing the work at night when if all they have to do is locate the source, would be much more reasonable during the day.
All in all, I dont really find these series similar at all other than the paranormal theme and trio of characters. And even then, there's massive differences.
They can be forgiven for making the comparison, since at the very base the comparison is tempting due to the ghost theme and the makeup of the team. But the similarities end there.
Dead Boy Detectives (dbd) is fantasy based. Witches, faeries, elementals, gods, etc Lockwood is more horror / ghost focused.
Dead Boy is current day, mystery focused. Detectives rather than investigators Lockwood is more dystopian future focused. They're more agents fighting a war than detectives. I would argue that there are plenty of movies that do Lockwood theme. It's not at all unique.
Dead boy is more light hearted Lockwood focuses more on tense scenes and dread.
Dead boy characters are more likeable. I really haven't grown to like any of the Lockwood main characters. And I find the acting in Lockwood can frequently be a bit stilted. Not terrible, but just enough to give the edge to Dead Boy on acting/directing. It's more fluid, and the characters that come across as stilted, feel purposefully directed that way as part of their character awkwardness. I also find Lockwood really stretches to justify doing the work at night when if all they have to do is locate the source, would be much more reasonable during the day.
All in all, I dont really find these series similar at all other than the paranormal theme and trio of characters. And even then, there's massive differences.
- BarneyGrapes
- Jul 17, 2024
- Permalink
This is a solid show taking attributes from many other shows of a similar ilk, particularly supernatural with the loop episode etc and then Rowena turns up, despite this if you like this sort of thing it is relatively light hearted and good to watch and the female lead is excellent.
The idea seem a bit muddled in the sense that it is dark in parts but then lightened by comedy or goofiness they could have potentially made it more scary and lore based and I think it would have been a beer watch as at the moment the first season appears to be driven towards teens and as a 40 year old supernatural fan there is definitely a gap in the market so I hope they can build on the first season !
The idea seem a bit muddled in the sense that it is dark in parts but then lightened by comedy or goofiness they could have potentially made it more scary and lore based and I think it would have been a beer watch as at the moment the first season appears to be driven towards teens and as a 40 year old supernatural fan there is definitely a gap in the market so I hope they can build on the first season !
- joecoop-91789
- Jul 7, 2024
- Permalink
Beautiful writing, beautiful cinematography, beautiful character arcs, I mean what more could you want? Dead Boy Detectives is captivating, thrilling, emotional, funny, and everything else you could possibly want from a series. I'm on my third rewatch, and I'm yet to get bored of it. I'll steer clear of spoilers, but honestly every time I watch it I pick up on some new detail that I missed and it's so much fun. Easily my new favourite TV series. It would be a tragedy if it doesn't get renewed for a season two, so give it a watch! I can guarantee that there's something for everybody in this show and you wont be disappointed.
- nielsennessalex
- Jul 8, 2024
- Permalink
The dynamic between the two 'dead boys' is fun to watch. However, Crystal the psychic seems out of place. Her sudden integration into the group felt forced, and the first episode focuses so much on her that you'd think she founded the agency.
Maybe it should be written better, because at first, I thought Crystal would be just a one-time character as a client. Then, out of nowhere, she suddenly becomes central (like, literally positioned at the center of the screen) in every scene.
Fortunately, things improved in the second episode. I enjoyed every scene that actually focused on the 'detective' part. Crystal character also got better towards the end, so probably just the introduction that's not smooth enough.
Maybe it should be written better, because at first, I thought Crystal would be just a one-time character as a client. Then, out of nowhere, she suddenly becomes central (like, literally positioned at the center of the screen) in every scene.
Fortunately, things improved in the second episode. I enjoyed every scene that actually focused on the 'detective' part. Crystal character also got better towards the end, so probably just the introduction that's not smooth enough.
- FinleyKolapo
- Apr 26, 2024
- Permalink
THE BEST SHOW ON NETFLIX AT THE MOMENT. I loved Edwin from the very first minute, and I love Charles more every time I rewatch it, and I didn't think I could love either of them any more. And then there is Crystal Palace, who is an absolute icon, a queen, a legend. And to complete the lot there is Niko, who spreads joy wherever she goes. I could go on listing all the side characters, because they are all iconic, but that would take forever. Basically, this show is incredible, the story and the characters pull you in and it as the relationships deepen, so will your love for this show. The writing is good, the acting incredible, the music superb, the plot never slackens and there is never a dull moment. Do yourself a favour, just. Watch. It.
- CountVladDracula
- Apr 27, 2024
- Permalink
I love this show SO MUCH!!
While I'm incredibly disappointed in Netflix for not giving this show the proper promotion it deserves (I'm not shocked, they do this way too often) , I will say that I'm still incredibly pleased I stumbled upon this show on my own!
It has so much heart, serious topics aren't handled with kid gloves but instead with a deep understanding and an air of empathy. The characters all have so much depth and the story lines leave nothing to be desired!
Netflix has popped out a series of iffy shows over the years but this is certainly not one of them. I've put everyone I can onto this show and they've all loved it.
We're all hoping for a season 2.
While I'm incredibly disappointed in Netflix for not giving this show the proper promotion it deserves (I'm not shocked, they do this way too often) , I will say that I'm still incredibly pleased I stumbled upon this show on my own!
It has so much heart, serious topics aren't handled with kid gloves but instead with a deep understanding and an air of empathy. The characters all have so much depth and the story lines leave nothing to be desired!
Netflix has popped out a series of iffy shows over the years but this is certainly not one of them. I've put everyone I can onto this show and they've all loved it.
We're all hoping for a season 2.
- kelliesecond
- Jul 5, 2024
- Permalink
The show itself is fun and easy, ridiculous (In a good way) but kinda cringe sometimes, and the main villain is cartoonishly evil.
Show struggles with something I call "wannabe gen z dialogues and themes" that are kinda painful. But that's fine because it's still enjoyable. What I'm mad at is that Netflix already had great show with the same theme (Lockwood and co.) and they canceled it and created another production also based in uk? In fairness cg is way better in this show and it's quite obvious that it had bigger budget but Lockwood and co. Has better writing and characters are way more likable and less cartoonish. I'm still hoping they will renew it. Overall, it's fun but forgettable unfortunately.
Show struggles with something I call "wannabe gen z dialogues and themes" that are kinda painful. But that's fine because it's still enjoyable. What I'm mad at is that Netflix already had great show with the same theme (Lockwood and co.) and they canceled it and created another production also based in uk? In fairness cg is way better in this show and it's quite obvious that it had bigger budget but Lockwood and co. Has better writing and characters are way more likable and less cartoonish. I'm still hoping they will renew it. Overall, it's fun but forgettable unfortunately.
- ppiwowarczyk-58587
- Apr 30, 2024
- Permalink
Neil Gaiman is more often a miss than a hit for me. I love his concepts, but more often than not I feel that he fails at the execution. That said though I was excited for this after having watched the trailer. On paper it is everything I love, but it wasn't executed well. It's so weirdly paced. It felt rushed in some aspects such Crystal joining them and getting to know them, and then dragged in others. The dialouge combined with the pacing of some scenes made conversations between characters really stilted and forced. It also bothered me that they didn't seem to trust the audience to connect the dots. We can see that their bag is a lot bigger on the inside than the outside (most of us have watched Harry Potter or Doctor who) it doesn't need to be explained 5 seconds later with really forced and unnatural dialouge. We can see that they are best friends and care deeply for each other, it doesn't have to be ruined by bad dialouge that explains it in a way people who have been friends for decades would never talk. The scene where one of them tells the medium is enough. This goes on and on which is a shame. Jayden Revri really stands out in his role, he's a very talanted actor. Kassius Nelsson's acting however leaves much to be desired. I thought Yuyu Kitamura was really fun in her role. George Rexstew is good, but I think he struggles at times but he has the hardest role to play. I really liked the dynamic between Charles and Edwin but that's about it. It just feels badly executed with poor writing for the most part. The mysteries the plot evolve around were really boring. I was on episode four when I realised that it wasn't going to get better in regards to that, it felt like a pilot episode. It felt uninspired. This is really a nitpick but I found it funny when the Crystal wants to rent a room and says she's 22 to which a woman replies there's no chance she older than 18 and then they have a closeup on the Crystal who looks much older than 22 and is in real life is 26. Genuine question, why couldn't they have changed it to them being in their 20s?
- mauramartindale
- Apr 25, 2024
- Permalink
It delved straight into the supernatural and fantasy of the show in the first episode and it becomes a pleasure to meet the characters as the season develops and take interest in the storylines. It's easy to follow and the characters are very likeable and believable in their acting which is difficult to achieve with a supernatural element to the story. I didn't know what to think but now I'm hoping to get to watch a good few more seasons to see how the characters now carry the story on. Ruth Connell is an amazing actress, she played a great character in Supernatural and manages to carry on the excellence in this series again, she has so much expression in her roles it really lends itself to the shows.
- Caspar1986
- Aug 23, 2024
- Permalink
It's amazing and so underrated. The characters, the storyline and everything is awesome. You can bond with all the characters easily. It's so amazing that made me write an IMDB review for the first time in my life. I'm waiting for the second season and hope that Netflix wouldn't cancel the show just like all the other amazing ones that they cancelled. And i would like to see the cast in more movies so they could succeed more and more because they definitely deserve it specially the actor who plays as Edwin Payne. I wanna see him more and more. And again I'm just saying this show is amazing just give it a chance!
- millie-12909
- Jul 25, 2024
- Permalink
For fantasy and sci-fi geeks, this one's a miss, unless...you're an actual child or adolescent. It is a bit campy, but there are better campy shows in the genre (Mysterious Benedict Society, Killjoys, Vagrant Queen) with better scripts, plots, character development, production values and better acting. That is to say, the characters on this show are attractive, better than Xena Warrior Princess actors, but worse than anything NOT on the CW - and the soapy vibe to the show is also very CW reminiscent. I, personally, like LGBT characters being naturally interspersed in a show, just like IRL, and I think reviewers deducting points for that are neither objective, nor reliable reviewers. That said, the characters themselves are all remarkably one-note; getting into bed with Berlanti was a strategic error on the part of Gaiman. Sandman was far better than this, and it feels like a waste of possibly good material. But if you are the type of person who loves everything on the CW and has no complaints about it (and you're a teen), you'll agree with the people giving this mediocrity ten stars. There are enough people with low expectations and lack of critical analysis that this should get a second season...so let's hope they hire FAR better writers for S2, and like other reviewers said, keep the boy detectives front and center.
- spasticfreakshow
- Apr 27, 2024
- Permalink
- IDontwantmylastnameonhere
- Jul 5, 2024
- Permalink
As a big fan of the Sandman show, I was intrigued to learn Dead Boy Detectives had dropped. To me it seems like a mix between a teen drama, Scooby Doo and Goosebumps. I am also getting some Good Omens tribute. However, each episode's story is interesting, the acting (which is decent) is a bit goofy and the vfx style is a bit retro which makes the show curiously fascinating. The teen drama is what throws me off a bit but I guess it is fitting considering the age of the main characters. I do wish the showrunnes would have tried to cater to an older age group as well, considering that the show belongs in the Sandman universe, because throughout season 1 I couldn't shake the feeling that the audience this was intended for are way way younger than me. I find the mix of gore and teen drama wildly confusing, but at the same time the show managed to keep me locked in. So the cons are the cringe moments, the overuse or words brills and aces, the absolutely creepy story involving the cat king and the weakest storyline and acting I've seen in a looong time regarding the demon David.
- archanademonia
- May 24, 2024
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- chantheabrewis
- Jun 17, 2024
- Permalink
Love the comics; Neil Gaiman is an amazing author. Such a unique story. Love Doom Patrol; the show did the comics totally justice and made me so excited for this spinoff. Sadly, HBO kicked it to Netflix and this is what you get. This TV show is terrible. Only giving it over a five because the source material still gives me hope for it to be great. The casting is so off that it was painful to watch. Story lines are basic, effects are cliche at best, no chemistry with the cast and every scene feels like work. Please spend your time watching the Doom Patrol with the Dead Boy detectives, or watch Lockwood and Co.
- bird-81298
- Apr 30, 2024
- Permalink
All of the characters are so fun. You can't help but like them all in some way, even the villans. The actors all do such an amazing job, and every time you watch it you notice some new facet of it. LGBTQIA+ characters and relationships are treated casually and there's not this assumption of heteronormativity that you usually get in other shows. The mysteries are engaging and make sense, and they have you trying to figure them out alongside the dead boy detectives. The overarching storyline is excellently done. All of the characters are strange in their own way, and endlessly endearing. I am desperately waiting for a renewal of this show. It handles topics like repression and abuse well, without sounding like something out of a therapy book. I am completely obsessed with this show.
- darkhrse-40372
- Jul 5, 2024
- Permalink
Good and light fun, easy to watch. Just don't focus on the plot too much. Haha. Eg. Iron is bad, but they can hold a crow bar? Ghosts can handle real books but others don't see the book floating? Ghosts can walk through walls but help you up hand in hand? Hahahaha. All in all its fun and easy. The main character is a little hard to swallow. The way he's written is uptight and team too much, and it took us a few eps to get over him. Not sure if it's the acting, the writing, the speed he speaks, not sure what it is? But again. The story is fast, fun and the show is easy to watch and has some fun characters in new roles.
- alannahfayemagick
- May 12, 2024
- Permalink
- victor_sianghio_ii
- Apr 26, 2024
- Permalink
This show is so charming and sweet.
The pacing of it is perfect, it doesnt go too fast or too slow. All of the characters are interesting and likeable and it is all together very entertaining. The writing starts off a bit strange but it gets better almost immediately. Every single character shines through and stands out. My only complaint is how much they say 'tick', it's totally unessecary and so silly, like they probably say 'tick' about every five minutes but I'm pretty sure thats just something the charachters do because they do it in every single iteration. Overall I totally adore this show and so does everyone else I've spoken with who's wached it.
The pacing of it is perfect, it doesnt go too fast or too slow. All of the characters are interesting and likeable and it is all together very entertaining. The writing starts off a bit strange but it gets better almost immediately. Every single character shines through and stands out. My only complaint is how much they say 'tick', it's totally unessecary and so silly, like they probably say 'tick' about every five minutes but I'm pretty sure thats just something the charachters do because they do it in every single iteration. Overall I totally adore this show and so does everyone else I've spoken with who's wached it.
- ehayes-32846
- Jun 22, 2024
- Permalink
We enjoy that it is something different and fun to watch. We are looking forward to upcoming seasons.
The characters have unique personalities and are fairly well developed.
We don't have a lot of time for watching TV, but when we came across The Dead BOY Detectives we were intrigued and before we knew it we had binged watch the entire first season. This is definitely something we can watch and enjoy together.
We are hoping for several more seasons and the expansion of each character, especially Niko, as well as the introduction of new ones.
We also enjoy Ruth Connell as the Night Nurse, she is the perfect actress for this character.
The characters have unique personalities and are fairly well developed.
We don't have a lot of time for watching TV, but when we came across The Dead BOY Detectives we were intrigued and before we knew it we had binged watch the entire first season. This is definitely something we can watch and enjoy together.
We are hoping for several more seasons and the expansion of each character, especially Niko, as well as the introduction of new ones.
We also enjoy Ruth Connell as the Night Nurse, she is the perfect actress for this character.
- missyhummer
- Jun 26, 2024
- Permalink
Its ok , quirky i suppose, but hmm just so many ideas from other shows, such as harry potter or fringe, and the lead actors, aren't standing out much , it has some good moments but its definitely a teen show. Someone else said its not funny, but i disagree it does have its humorous moments in my opinion, i just think its a bit cheap at times and repetitive, but it has its moments and I honestly I had fun watching some of it.
Crystal and the witch are the best characters, I suppose it reminds me of lost girl, but with more special effects, crystals cute, and that helps lol. It turns out she used to be on hollyoaks, I had no idea...
Crystal and the witch are the best characters, I suppose it reminds me of lost girl, but with more special effects, crystals cute, and that helps lol. It turns out she used to be on hollyoaks, I had no idea...
- stuwright05
- Apr 26, 2024
- Permalink