Dead Boy Detectives (2024– ) User Reviews

Fun and entertaining!

[tvsafnari · 8/10 · 26 April 2024]

This show is exactly as it sounds, fun and a bit corny. After being bombarded with far too many scifi/fantasy shows that are unnecessarily depressing and take themselves way too seriously, I am very thankful to have found this show.

First and foremost, this show is fun. It's relatively fast paced and never gets boring. The cast of characters is very well rounded, and each has their own dynamic personality. The writing is quite good I must say, everything flows naturally without being forced, while both taking care of the character development and storyline.

On the weaker points of this show... the acting is not going to win anyone an oscar to be honest, but they still do manage to create interesting captivating characters. The visual effects are okayish, but there are definitely other shows that do that part better. Then it can definitely be argued that the show is corny, but to me personally that is honestly a positive trait, because the show doesn't take itself too seriously, and embraces it own corniness in an endearing way. But if "corny" is your kryptonite, you should probably stay as far away from this show as possible.

But if you are just looking for some fun, and are not taking everything too seriously, I can strongly recommend this show. At the end of the day, it just works. The combination of story, atmosphere, setting and characters all complement each other to create a world that is entertaining for the viewers.

The characters are quite diverse, and all - including the female characters - are treated as whole people. Which is very refreshing to watch.

Most of all, this show has a lot of potential. For the younger actors to gain experience and grow into the characters, and for the worldbuilding to expand and become even richer. There is lots of room for more stories to be told.

My only real regret about this show is that there weren't more episodes, and I truly and sincerely hope that they will get a second season, since this is one of the most fun shows to come on Netflix in a while.

This show needs more promotion.

[AJsok2003 · 8/10 · 26 April 2024]

I loved this show but it sucks to know that I barely knew about it less than 5 months ago when the teaser trailer came out on youtube. I hope this show will get more steam and hope people will want to watch it. Because I thought it was scary and funny at the same time. Neil Gaiman and Netflix make a great team. The humor and the music in this show really made a true show.

I also did not realize that the actress from another paranormal show called Supernatural was it this show. It was good to see Ruth Connell in this show. I thought her character was a clever one. She played it so well.

I hope this show gets another season because it was spooky and funny at the same time. And I loved the music also.

Quirky History and Supernatural Smash

[Sarah423 · 9/10 · 25 April 2024]

Dead Boy Detectives is a fun science fiction-fantasy mash up with retro overtones.

The detectives are ghosts hiding from Death ("on the lam" according to another character) while handling their work.

The pace is fast, sometimes almost frenetic, which means this is not second screen fare.

A lot depends on the leads being likable, which they are, but even more depends on the framing and writing by Steve Yockey.

Yockey excels.

Cast and writing are at the front, of course, but this particular series is also dependant on the quirky set dec, locations, and overall tone of filming. And fortunately the entire smash up works.

I haven't watched any of the other shows in this comic "Universe," and probably won't. Fortunately this show can stand on its own.

It is really good!!

[theblackphonefan22 · 10/10 · 25 April 2024]

I haven't watched the sandman or doom patrol, but I really enjoyed this because I love supernatural stuff. If you have watched those shows you will like it even more! I watched the first episode on an early virtual netflix screening so this is only my judgement on the first episode, but I think this show has some great potential. There is a lot of action right from the start which I loved. The characters are really fun as soon as the episode begins and it is also very fast paced. The show is easy to follow along and. Many people can connect with the characters. So, if you are interested in fantasy, action, and supernatural characters, this show is perfect for you!

Different and fun

[gundelneumann · 10/10 · 1 May 2024]

I watched it in German and I tremendously enjoyed it! The actors do all a very good job, especially the Boys of course.

It is well written, even mysterious at times and filled with fantasy and sometimes creepy elements.

It is actually hard to describe that special atmosphere in there, for me I can say it got me hooked!

Hoping for a next season and to meet some of the special characters again! (Katzenkönig ;)).

I think it is a good TV Show for escaping reality and forget for moment how messed up a lot of things are! I always felt better after watching, even if there was a serious or sad topic!

Would be great to have these two as friends.

Dead Boy Detectives fun dynamic...

[ahtorg4 · 8/10 · 27 April 2024]

The 2 lead actors are cute and have a genuine fraternal supportive dynamic that portray modern positive role models for the 21st century. All of the main characters are interesting and their performances (save 1) are well acted and kept me moving on to the next episode. Keeping in mind this is based on a comic book series (aimed at a younger audience) and on a streaming service I was pleased with the special effects and nothing goes too far or offends. The vintage feel with Edwardian, bohemian and R&R clothing, retro and antique style interiors adds a certain charm to the enterprise as well. 8 stars :)

Amazing show

[terrylarosa · 9/10 · 28 April 2024]

Saw the trailer and thought it might be a good watch but I never thought it'd be this entertaining. Well casted especially the actress playing Crystal. But the guys are pretty good too. As good as The Sandman which was another surprisingly entertaining watch. Reminiscent of Supernatural and even has one of the actresses that played a major supporting player. Fully hooked after the first episode and like others I'm hoping there will be a Season 2. On top of the great effects and never knowing what's going to happen ( which is rare for me ) the show is exceedingly funny. I find myself laughing quite a bit. If you like supernatural shows couldn't find a better one right now.

Could be better

[FinleyKolapo · 7/10 · 27 April 2024]

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.

I loved her too much I hope more

[ezecorvalan-69522 · 10/10 · 1 May 2024]

I loved this series, it's one of my favorite shows of 2024 so far, it's fun and creepy. Dead Boy Detectives seems like a new version of the detective genre. I love the characters and the supernatural cases they tackle in each episode keeps the story even more interesting The chemistry between the characters is palpable and excellent surrounded by moments of originality, the ghost detectives plus an amnesiac psychic, quirky witches, creepy ghosts, and a no-nonsense night nurse who is basically the hall monitor of the spirit world.

Absolutely a fantastic show full of hilarity and heart it is truly a wonderful show. The plot is intriguing each and every character is so unique that you can't help but love them I can't wait to see how the story develops in season 2 and I really hope we get multiple seasons it's actually a great series with amazing performances The story and development is much better than what was shown in Doom Patrol. There are so many complex plots, I was hooked from the first episode and in fact I was already waiting for it since it was announced and it's crazy, I wanted to sleep but I also needed to see more. The show is the perfect combination of humor, angst, supernatural, and heartwarming. I love that the characters are dynamic and convincing.

Decent but flawed

[CountVladDracula · 7/10 · 28 April 2024]

Dead boy Detectives review

Image I've watched all eight episodes of Dead Boy Detectives and it was a decent show. It's not something I may obsess over like The Sandman, or The Witcher, but it was decent.

Dead Boy Detectives is the story of Edwin Payne and Charles Rowland. Edwin was killed during a Satanic ritual in 1916. Charles died from hypothermia and internal bleeding after some bullies drove him into an ice-cold lake while throwing rocks at him.

(Note: That was not how Charles actually died in the source material. In the comics, Lucifer had quit and shut down Hell (the basis for the TV show Lucifer) so many evil souls returned to Earth, including the boys that sacrificed poor Edwin. They badly burnt Charles' back on a hot stove and Charles died from his injuries.)

The two ghosts decided to dedicate their afterlife solving mysteries to help other ghosts find peace. They are aided by psychic, Crystal Palace, who is haunted by her abusive ex-boyfriend who happens to be a demon.

Both Edwin Payne and Charles Rowland originated in Neil Gaiman's The Sandman: Season of Mists, The Sandman: Volume 4. Issue 25 of The Sandman comics, and within Act 2 of The Sandman audio drama.

The Dead Boy Detectives made their TV first appearance in Doom Patrol for HBO Max (now Max). During a shakeup at Max the show was moved over to Netflix as to better connect it with The Sandman since that is where they originated.

The show features different actors from the ones that played Charles and Edwin on Doom Patrol.

The Dead Boy Detectives is a decent show but ...it feels a bit like a CW teen drama. I had been told that some of the show's writers were originally writers for the CW... and it shows.

There are some deliberately surreal elements of the show that I think are a callback to their appearance in Doom Patrol.

I love the variety of supernatural entities in the show, including the appearance of two of Morpheus's siblings. Death and Despair.

The things I don't like about the show can be considered CW tropes or cliches. The angsty romances and unrequited love. The ham-fisted abusive ex metaphor between Crystal and David The Demon.

And of course the most tedious of CW tropes, the end of the episode pining and angst while a sad pop song plays in the background.

If you look past the CW-ness of it, the show is enjoyable.

The only other things I can complain about is the "connecting thread" subplot of The Afterlife: Lost and Found feels like unnecessary filler. And I wish they would openly establish that Edwin, being an innocent, would NOT return to Hell if collected by Death now. I don't think that should be left hanging over his head. Especially since we're supposed to see Death as a kind entity.

Also I think Charles says "Aces" a little too much. It's very distracting and makes me feel like the writers didn't know much late 80s English slang. It would be like if he was an American and they had him say "Radical" all the time. I get that it's kind of his catchphrase but it also got a bit annoying.

The parts I don't like are CW tropes and what I'd consider to be late 90s Vertigo edginess.

The thing I liked were plentiful though. The protagonists were and are likable. The ending is satisfying enough so that if there is only one season this was still good. I liked that it appears that one can ascend out of Hell after some self-reflection as is indicated by the boy Edwin confronted in Hell. The blue light was established to mean ascension, a good afterlife.

I also LOVE the opening credits theme music and animated sequence. It reminds me of the intro to Showtime's Creature Feature movies. (See the trailer for 2001's She Creature, not the 50s version. Watch the trailer at thirteen seconds in, on Youtube, and you'll see what I mean).

That's two Gothic themed shows from Netflix in the last two years with great opening credits sequences. The first being Wednesday. That one won Danny Elfman an Emmy.

It's funny, Wednesday and Dead Boy Detectives (which is a spin-off of The Sandman) have great opening credit intro sequences but The Sandman does not. Apparently Neil Gaiman was told people don't watch the opening credits anymore so The Sandman doesn't have them.

I feel we were cheated out of what could have been a great opening sequence for The Sandman.

Episodes 7 and 8 of Dead Boy Detectives were probably the best of the series. I liked it well enough that if Dead Boy Detectives gets renewed I'll happily watch season 2.

The best

[laramilenka · 10/10 · 26 April 2024]

To say it short. I absolutely ADORE this show!!!! It's very well made. From the editing, the amazing acting, the very well written characters, I LOVE! The cinematography. The colourgrading is so good, some shots were done so beautifully that i still think about it and the flow is very wel done. It doens't feel too rushed. I like the little chapters in between where the screen goes black and has some words on it. It keeps u interested. There obviously went a lot of thought in to making this show which i really appreciate because u dont see many show like this now a days. If there is a s2 i will be tuning in!

light, fun popcorn entertainment - for the CW crowd

[spasticfreakshow · 6/10 · 28 April 2024]

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.

Good concept but uninspired execution

[mauramartindale · 3/10 · 26 April 2024]

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?

Total new age Supernatural vibes and I'm here for it!

[tiffied4 · 9/10 · 26 April 2024]

Two "brothers" fighting supernaturals from the innocent. Sound familiar? Oh and they have personal unresolved personal issues? Wait, there's more! Then you're watching episode 2 and you hear "the boys" and realize it's Rowena's voice! They have a magical bunker too. I understand it's supposed to be a Sandman spin off but I can't ignore the Supernatural vibes.

While Supernatural is a fave I've thought they did a little wrong with female characters. Here, we get strong female leads in an assortment of ways in every episode and I'm here for all of it! Overall good season plot with good episode plots including a good ol ghost loop (ifykyk). Hoping Nexflix renews!!

Awesome show!!

[The-Silver-Raven · 10/10 · 27 April 2024]

So glad I accidentally found this. I binged watched and I want more. I want to see Niko rejoin them in London after her mission is done. I want to see Ruth Connell rejoin them in London. So many ways, so many ideas!!! Cant wait for season II. I hope the crow finds his way to them since he redeemed himself. The Cat King has to come back as well to help in other cases and I really and truly hope that someday they can help the walrus go back to the sea. An the Night Nurse needs to go visit her frien in the fish. Even though Crystals parents are useless trash but the need a few more appearances as Crytal learns more about herself.

Great series

[pippinesser · 10/10 · 7 May 2024]

I Highly recommend this series if you love Neil Gaimans work and or are familiar the Sandman series's on Netflix but it is not required to enjoy this show. The show is a great way to get introduced to the work of Neil Gaiman and the amazing worlds he creates. The series is very LGBT friendly and the characters are very well written and have hidden depths to them that makes them so relatable. The series is full of twists and turns and leaves you wanting so much more. Cast is amazing and all do a fantastic job. I can't wait for season 2 so fingers crossed it gets green lit for another season or 2.

SO GOOD!

[lacie-00855 · 10/10 · 27 April 2024]

I LOVE Shows like this! There were no boring parts at all! I enjoyed every episode so much that I'm watching it all over again! If you like supernatural fantasy shows then you'll enjoy this! There's plenty of action, great characters and it's easy to follow. This show doesn't drag everything out and leaves you wanting more! There's love, sadness, mystery, adventure and more. I really hope they make more seasons of this show because there are endless adventures for these characters to go on and many more mysteries to solve! Please please please RENEW for more seasons Netflix! You guys have a good one with this show! I want more!!!!

Easy and fun but Lockwood and co. Was so much better

[ppiwowarczyk-58587 · 6/10 · 1 May 2024]

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.

Doom Patrol 2.0

[djosephlaron · 10/10 · 1 May 2024]

This first season of Dead Boy Detective Agency was remarkable. I enjoyed the cast and how witty the writing was displayed by this amazing cast of actors. The cameos were iconic, it was genius to link both Shows (Sandman and DBDA) in a multi crossover all season long. This season was reminiscent of the very best Doom Patrol series had to offer. What a fantastic ride when it was good. I hope Dead Boy Detective Agency continues to expand and bring high quality content and storytelling our way.

I am officially a fan. Love the direction Greg Berlanti and his team are taking and I hope we get much more.

its ok ,if theres nothing else to watch!

[stuwright05 · 6/10 · 27 April 2024]

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...

I love it tbh!!

[thehello · 10/10 · 25 April 2024]

I've officially watched all the episodes and I want a season 2!!! I REALLY HOPE NETFLIX DOESN'T Cancel this show, given their history with canceling shows 😒. Anyways this was perfect for me because of the supernatural genre and the vibes it gave. I also like how it.was paced. The actors really did a great job acting the characters out. I found myself laughing because of how funny it was sometimes hahaha. It was very funny. Btw this show contains LGBTQ characters so if you're homophobic or don't like things like that, I would still advice you to watch it but skip the kissing scenes. But yeah other than that it's a really great show😌. NETFLIX IF YOU'RE SEEING THIS, DONT. CANCEL. THIS. SHOW!!!! I swear😭😒😒.

Watch Doom Patrol or Lockwood & Co instead

[bird-81298 · 6/10 · 1 May 2024]

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.

RECYCLED STORYLINE

[victor_sianghio_ii · 5/10 · 27 April 2024]

All of Berlanti's and Falchuck's works follow the same storyline. Supergirl, The Flash, Motherland, Sabrina, The Umbrella Academy etc.

From plot to character origins, to budding or unrequited loves, to Scooby gang parallels, and to villain transition or handover.

The battle between the boys and Esther is a parallel of Sabrina and the Mother of demons. As episodes progress, new allies emerge from antagonists who fall in love with the main characters. Edwin becomes smitten with the Cat King- similar to Mark and Frost of The Flash. And then, the gang grows into a bonafide Scooby gang.

Why does it always have to be a gang?

The Arrow, Supergirl, The Flash, The Umbrella Academy, etc.

Why can't the main characters be JUST THE MAIN CHARACTERS?

The boys' story should remain authentic and exclusive.

I like Crystal, but she should not be the main character.

What's the point of calling the show, Dead Boys if 75% of the time, Crystal steals the show?

MOST IMPORTANT, production spends way too much on period costumes, makeup, and sets to hide a very familiar and predictable plot.

Berlanti and Falchuck's usual writers are running out of novel narratives.

Enjoyable

[Nix_writer867 · 8/10 · 26 April 2024]

I was hooked by the trailer since it had some interesting potential and mystery plot,I was kinda bummed by how they handled the mysteries, but still though I enjoyed the characters going through cases to cases and having small noticable character growth, and the actors were fine but the problem comes with the dialogue, sometimes they were handled pretty well and funny when it's funny but sometimes it's a bit off like how crystal brings up about her problems, the other thing I hated is the pacing was a bit too fast for me and the character arcs weren't handled well, but I was still having fun watching it, I would recommend for a fun watch, so can't wait for season 2.

Incredible in so many ways

[hpravenclawlaily · 9/10 · 26 April 2024]

Tell your family about it, your friends and to anyone who needs & wants a little bit of supernatural in their lives.

I loved this show so much, in ways I haven't been attached to a show in so long. It feels exactly like something you desperately needed, without knowing ao.

The characters, the ways they evolved- they fitted so well with the whole mystery aura the show had.

I really cling to the hope Netflix won't do what it is sometimes known to do- cancel the show. A new season certainly will be so different to this one, considering all the changes we saw taking place during the last episode. There are definetly bigger problems coming for the agency.

I would have given it a 10/10, I really wish I could have done that. But there are some things that irked me off somehow. Of course a personal taste. For example, I would like to see Netflix get rid of its obsession to mandatory have a couple or multiple kisses on screen. There is life beyond romance, and I do not see that neccesary in every single show I watch. I did not like the ship they tried to contour, with Crystal and Charles. I like them both as individuals, but I just don't see them good for one another. But I do appreciate that their small love story didn't take up much of the plot.

Besides that, every other thing brought me joy and curiosity. All the side characters we got to see more in depth: Jenny, The Cats' King(my favourite of them all, the consent king), Tragic Mick, Monty, even Esther. I think it is not the last time we see most of them. The finale had the biggest taste of "to be continued".

Definetly worth till the very last minute. A lovely time spent watching it.