Dead Boy Detectives is the perfect show to watch for those who enjoy supernatural fun. The show combines the horror and mystery genres with a sprinkle of comedy and teen drama.
It has quickly gathered a passionate fan following, and it’s safe to say we’re all dying for a Season 2. Unfortunately, Netflix has yet to officially announce a renewal, but hopefully, we’ll get another season.
If you haven’t seen it, you need to make it the next thing you binge on Netflix. Also, you’ll want to stop reading now because this list contains spoilers!
Here are 10 reasons why we want a Dead Boy Detectives Season 2:
1. We Need More Queer YA Shows
Dead Boy Detectives is a thoroughly queer show featuring multiple queer relationships, including Edwin Payne (George Rexstrew), who has three male love interests.
A central part of Edwin’s story is about him coming to terms with being gay. His story is an excellent representation of how everyone has a different journey with their queer identity.
As a queer viewer, I absolutely loved how authentic the portrayals of queerness are in this. Rather than focusing on a typical “coming out of the closet” story, Dead Boy Detectives centers on what love means to these characters and how they navigate their romantic feelings.
We need more long-lasting LGBTQ representation on our screens, especially in the YA genre. It’s not simply enough to only have one or two shows like Heartstopper to take on improving queer representation on TV.
The show provides a fantastic representation of queer people in addition to offering an engaging story wrapped in mystery and horror.
2. What About Niko?
Niko Sasaki (Yuyu Kitamura) is one of the most lovable characters of Dead Boy Detectives.
From her passion for Scooby Doo to her obsession with love, Niko shines in every scene she’s in. She always brightens the mood and isn’t afraid to point out what others are afraid of saying. Her bubbly and unique personality is endearing and makes the show fun to watch.
That’s why her death cuts deep at the end of Season 1. Although we see her seemingly meet her end, the last scene of Niko in the igloo with the sprites gives hope that we’ll see her again.
The show has a captivating opportunity to explore the aftermath of her near-death experience and its impact on Niko and her friends. Will she come back as a changed character with new abilities? The possibilities are both exciting and unpredictable.
3. The Show Addresses Important Topics
Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 covers many social issues not often depicted on television.
A central theme of the first season is how bullying has severe consequences. Both Edwin and Charles died as a result of bullies taking it too far. Furthermore, they deal with a case where two bullies died from someone finally deciding to stand up to them.
The show also explores topics like grief, domestic abuse, and toxic familial relationships. All the characters have complicated relationships with their parents, and we get to see them reckon with what it means to not be able to rely on adult figures in their lives.
This theme is especially relevant to Charles’ storyline. Throughout Season 1, he wrestles with what it means for him to have grown up with an abusive father. He confesses that he’s afraid that his anger makes him like his father, and his friends help him realize that his low moments don’t define him.
While these are heavy subjects, it’s great that Dead Boy Detectives addresses them. Showing characters navigating these social issues helps people who are dealing with similar circ*mstances feel less alone.
4. Edwin and Charles’ Relationship
At the heart of Dead Boy Detectives is Edwin and Charles’ friendship. Their witty banter and shared history form an unbreakable connection. Their relationship is one of the most captivating friendships on television.
An important turning point in Season 1 is Edwin confessing his love to Charles. Although Charles doesn’t say he reciprocates those feelings, he says they “have forever to figure out what it means.”
Edwin’s revelation adds a layer of romantic tension that could redefine their dynamic. No matter what, Edwin and Charles have a one-of-a-kind, deep bond that begs for further exploration.
5. Connection to The Sandman Universe
Dead Boy Detectives skillfully expands The Sandman universe with well-placed cameos from established characters.
On Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 Episode 1, “The Case of Crystal Palace,” Death from The Sandman makes an appearance. She arrives to take a ghost to his afterlife. On Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 Episode 7, “The Case of the Very Long Staircase,” Despair, another member of the Endless, also makes a cameo.
These cameos not only delight fans of The Sandman but also serve as a reminder of the vast and fascinating universe Neil Gaiman has crafted.
Beyond these appearances, Dead Boy Detectives also inherits the same sense of whimsical darkness and exploration of complex themes, similar to The Sandman. Both shows blur the lines between reality and the supernatural.
This shared atmosphere allows Dead Boy Detectives to feel like a natural extension of The Sandman, offering viewers a deeper dive into this mesmerizing world.
6. Flawed and Compelling Characters
One of the best parts of Dead Boy Detectives is the compelling character development. The main characters embark on journeys of self-discovery by confronting past traumas and evolving in unexpected ways.
After decades of repression, Edwin confronts his sexuality and love for his best friend. This emotional arc adds depth to his character and resonates with viewers who have faced similar struggles
Without her memories, Crystal deals with rediscovering herself and her powers. She finds the strength to defeat her demon ex-boyfriend and find security within herself.
Although he’s always smiling, Charles grapples with his anger issues stemming from his relationship with his father. As he confronts these demons, we see a vulnerability that makes him even more relatable.
Niko struggles with the loss of her father and a fading relationship with her mother. She figures out how to navigate the complexities of grief, particularly for a young person navigating the world without parental figures to rely on.
All these characters grow so much over the span of the first season, and there’s still so much they can learn about themselves and continue to develop and grow.
7. Beloved Supporting Characters
Dead Boy Detectives isn’t just about Charles and Edwin’s supernatural sleuthing. From deceptively tough Jenny the Butcher (Briana Cuoco) to the enigmatic Tragic Mick (Michael Beach), Season 1 featured many fantastic supporting characters.
Take the Cat King (Lukas Gage), for example. His crush on Edwin and desire to be seen as a respectable and powerful figure are entertaining to watch.
These characters resonate with us because they have distinct personalities and backstories that make them far more than plot devices.
It’s no surprise that we’re clamoring for these sidekicks to return in the future. Whether it’s a brief cameo from the Cat King or a deeper exploration of Tragic Mick’s past, even a glimpse into these characters’ lives would be an exciting addition.
8. The Cast Chemistry
Dead Boy Detectives wouldn’t be as successful as it is without the cast’s chemistry.
The found family aspect of the friendships makes the show extremely compelling. Through solving cases together, the four main characters form a bond that transcends the boundaries of life and death.
The actors portraying these roles flawlessly capture the nuances of these relationships. Their interactions are full of playful dialogue and a genuine sense of care that makes us believe in the strength of their found family.
It’s rare to see a cast have so much chemistry on and off-screen. This helps breathe life into the characters and their relationships, keeping us invested in the story and eager for more.
9. The Attention to Detail
Dead Boy Detectives is a carefully crafted world where the smallest details contribute to the overall experience.
One example is costuming. Despite the contemporary setting, both Edwin and Charles are dressed to match the periods in which they died. This detail reminds viewers of the characters’ history and the lingering effects of their past lives.
This is a common pattern throughout the first season. There are tons of hidden easter eggs and foreshadowing details that eagle-eyed viewers have been able to catch, such as a recurring mention of dangerous seagulls.
By masterfully using detail, Dead Boy Detectives elevates the viewing experience. The immersive world-building is a testament to the show’s creators and their dedication to crafting a compelling and rewarding narrative.
10. There’s More Story to Be Told
Dead Boy Detectives is more than just a television show. It’s a gateway into a comic book universe that spans back to 1991. Neil Gaiman and Matt Wagner’s original stories offer a vast library of intriguing cases and character arcs waiting to be told on screen.
Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 already did a great job adapting the source material. It delivered compelling narratives that showcased the blend of humor and darkness that defines the comics.
However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The potential to delve deeper into character backstories promises an even more exciting future for Dead Boy Detectives.
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That concludes our list of reasons why Dead Boy Detectives should be renewed! Which of these reasons did you relate to the most? What do you hope to see in a potential Season 2? Let us know in the comments below!
Dead Boy Detectives is available to stream on Netflix.
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Sam Huang
Sam Huang is a college student and writer. They are passionate about writing works that explore intersectionality, and they're particularly interested in comedies on TV. Their work has been published in the Healthline Zine and Filmcred.
