Supernatural Family’s New TV Series: Dead Boy Detectives

Netflix’s Dead Boy Detectives premiered on April 25, 2024, to high praise from critics and audiences alike. Writing, directing, and tone as well as performances, costumes, and special effects all received commendation from viewers. So far in 2024, the series landed on several TV show rankings or lists. For example, Screen Rant listed it among the top ten best horror TV shows, Pride Magazine ranked it as the best LGBTQ+ TV show, Mashable includes it among the best on Netflix, and Collider considers it one of the best TV shows overall.

Dead Boy Detectives primarily follows two fugitive ghosts, Charles Rowland and Edwin Payne, who decide to investigate supernatural crimes on Earth rather than enter the afterlife. Its series premiere is intriguing enough and introduces most principal characters. However, episode three is when things get interesting, and it only gets better from there. Eight hour-long episodes compose the endearing and binge-worthy season one.

Most Supernatural fans will probably enjoy this young-adult dramedy horror series as it overlaps in several ways with Supernatural, including the people who made it. Dead Boy Detectives was developed by Supernatural writer and producer, Steve Yockey, and it’s executive produced by Supernatural writer and producer, Jeremy Carver.* It also stars Supernatural cast member, Ruth Connell, and features an exceptional episode directed by Supernatural cast member and director, Richard Speight, Jr.

They’re dead and gone but they carry on. Meet the afterlife’s finest in Dead Boy Detectives. A new series from within the Sandman Universe — premiering April 25! pic.twitter.com/5RVnM6luVP

— Netflix (@netflix) April 3, 2024

The characters would likely feel right at home in a season of Supernatural, and that’s not limited to the ghosts. Ruth Connell turns in a stellar performance as the Night Nurse, an “infinite trans-dimensional being” tasked with finding lost ghost children and relocating them to their afterlife. She nails the portrayal of a menacing adversary turned reluctant team player (sound familiar?).

Over the course of the season, Connell delivers several of her lines with the authority of a know-it-all bureaucrat, but this character has layers, and Connell reveals each of them with style, even whilst inside the gut of a fish.

Happy birthday to me! Thank you @netflix 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
DEAD BOY DETECTIVES APRIL 25th
💚 pic.twitter.com/nvqSgbNITy

— Ruth Connell ♛ (@RuthieConnell) April 20, 2024

Other similarities include a variety of set locations and cinematic-quality filming. I was particularly struck by episode seven, “The Case of the Very Long Stairway,” which features a trip to Hell. Director Richard Speight, Jr. made the most of this set and elegantly captured the dynamic storyline. In fact, during a conversation with Speight, he told me that one of the most chaotic scenes of the episode was actually filmed in a singular (and short) hallway. However, a detailed shot plan, some unique camera tools, and an occasional green screen created the illusion of a never-ending labyrinth. In this penultimate episode, Speight’s play with focus and angles make for some of the most beautiful and terrifying shots of the season, of which there are plenty.

Without giving away too much plot, I can say that there are complicated relationships within a found family, and horror elements with a side of humor. Hell, there’s even a devious supernatural king whom you can’t help but love. Plus, if you’re still hungry for a satisfying confession scene, that alone may be your reason to watch this charming series. 

But don’t take my word for it. 

Horror fans Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova raved over Dead Boy Detectives in an episode of their hit YouTube series, I Like To Watch. While initially concerned with the category of young-adult, both viewers were hooked by episode three and overall impressed with the variety in horror. To quote Mattel, “This is one of the best things we’ve watched.”

Additionally, I took to tumblr to ask followers of my Supernatural podcast, Denim-wrapped Nightmares, what are their favorite horror elements, as well as what they adore about the Netflix series, Dead Boy Detectives. Check out the video for some of their responses.

⚠️ Spoiler warning

For viewers who are familiar with Netflix’s The Sandman, the new series is part of The Sandman collection.  Dead Boy Detectives even features two character cameos from The Sandman, Death and Despair.  Fun fact: both cameos were shot by the aforementioned director, Richard Speight, Jr.

Dead Boy Detectives might be relevant to season two of The Sandman, which is rumored to adapt the “Season of Mists” storyline from the comic-books, the very same storyline to introduce Edwin and Charles (a.k.a. the Dead Boy Detectives). 

According to YouGov, Dead Boy Detectives ranked in the top ten most-streamed TV shows within roughly 30 days of its premiere. Yet, as I am writing this review, the show is neither canceled nor renewed for a second season. Netflix took nearly 90 days to renew The Sandman for season two, however, so fans are still hopeful. An announcement is expected soon. Regardless of status, Dead Boy Detectives is worth watching, and I highly recommend adding it to your Netflix list.

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Header Image: Ruth Connell and Richard Speight, Jr. on Dead Boy Detectives set. Source: @Dicksp8jr Instagram June 3, 2024 

*Editor’s Note: Besides Supernatural, Steve Yockey and Jeremy Carver previously worked together on Doom Patrol (Carver – creator, showrunner) when writer Yockey introduced the Night Nurse and the Dead Boy Detectives into episode 3.3. “Dead Patrol” (- Nightsky, IMDB). Track this branch of Supernatural‘s family tree with Alice Jester’s Review of Doom Patrol‘s “Must See” Season 1 (including all of its Supernatural alum appearances)! 

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