The Mysterious Benedict Society
Parents say
Based on 17 reviews
Kids say
Based on 34 reviews
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The Mysterious Benedict Society
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Mysterious Benedict Society is a smart, funny TV adaptation of the same-named book series about four extraordinary children recruited to help a brilliant recluse. It has enough suspense, scariness, and violence to make it more appropriate for tweens than for younger and more sensitive kids. The plot has a dark overtone, and though it doesn't seem like the kids are about to meet their demise in any given moment, the threat is always there. Scenes of fantasy violence use clever editing to hide most of the actual violence (and there aren't any guns or knives). Kids get in arguments, and there's some pushing and shoving as well as verbal hostility. One of the children, Constance Contraire (Marta Kessler), is often rude and mean, but she's always called out on her behavior. Some viewers may be sensitive to the fact that the kids are all orphans, which the plot touches on explicitly. The series is excellent family viewing for kids who are able to handle the edgier bits, and it has clear themes of courage, curiosity, teamwork, and friendship.
What's the Story?
The Mysterious Benedict Society is an adaptation of the book series by Trenton Lee Stewart. The society is made up of four foundlings who enter a school scholarship competition but end up getting recruited for a top-secret world-saving mission instead. They're led by Reynie Muldoon (Mystic Inscho), who's brilliant and kind and a quiet leader. His companions are plucky and resourceful circus performer Kate Wetherall (Emmy DeOliveira), nerdy quiz show champion Sticky Washington (Seth Carr), and the overly grumpy and direct Constance Contraire (Marta Kessler). They've been brought together by brilliant Mr. Benedict (Tony Hale, Veep). Benedict is trying to find the cause of The Emergency: a global mental health crisis in which everyone has crippling anxiety that comes from what they see on the news. He needs the kids because he thinks The Emergency is caused by radio and TV broadcasts coming from the secretive L.I.V.E. Institute school. The kids go undercover as students at the school in order to get to the bottom of the society-destroying mystery. Along the way, they'll communicate with Mr. Benedict's quirky helpers Number Two (Kristen Schaal), Rhonda (MaameYaa Boafo), and Milligan (Ryan Hurst) via flashlight morse code. Can they navigate being "the new kids" at a strange school while trying to save the world at the same time?
Is It Any Good?
Everything about this series is superb: its acting, its storytelling, its wonderfully immersive dystopian world. Fans of Roald Dahl's Matilda or the Lemony Snicket books will fall in love with this adaptation of the Benedict Society books. Kid viewers will enjoy knowing that children are the only ones capable of saving the day. They'll also likely identify with either Reynie, Kate, or Sticky and love hating the mean Constance. The subtle dry humor sprinkled throughout may be lost on some younger kids, but older kids (and adults) will find it hilarious. Kids will also enjoy trying to solve the puzzles and riddles alongside the genius characters.
The storytelling is super compelling, and grown-ups may wonder why they have a strong desire to binge-watch a show meant for kids. There are great acting performances by the kid and adult actors, especially the scene-stealing Kristen Schaal as Number Two. The sets and costumes are fabulously colorful and Wes Anderson-esque, making the world seem simultaneously both vintage and modern. Grown-ups will genuinely enjoy watching this whimsical and mysterious series along with their kiddos.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the kids' curiosity. Mr. Benedict says that kids want to find out the truth, even more than adults. Do you think you'd be curious enough to go on a secret mission to discover the source of The Emergency?
The kids in this series show a lot of courage. Why do you think this is an important character strength? Do you think you'd be brave enough to go on a secret undercover mission?
Do you know any difficult people like Constance in your real life? What is the best way to interact with them? How can you find their good qualities?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 25, 2021
- Cast: Tony Hale, Kristen Schaal, Seth Carr, Emmy DeOliveira, Mystic Inscho, Marta Kessler, MaameYaa Boafo
- Network: Disney+
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Book Characters, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Courage, Curiosity, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Exceptional, spooky book adaptation is best for tweens.
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
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Matilda
Offbeat dark fantasy gem is intense, sometimes scary.
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The Willoughbys
Irresistible kids banish dreadful parents in fanciful tale.
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