Common Sense Media Review
By Dana Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Comedy-horror series mixes mental health and the paranormal.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Crazyhead
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
CRAZYHEAD tells the adventures of two friends, Amy and Raquel, who bond when Raquel discovers Amy is also a "seer," someone who can see demon-possessed humans. In the first episode, Amy is trying to discern whether her visions of these demon faces on people are hallucinations due to her diagnosed mental illness or whether they're real, when Raquel emphatically tells her they are real. These demons -- including Amy's now-possessed best friend -- want to kill them because they're seers. Amy and Raquel attempt an exorcism on the best friend in the first episode, but it kills her (she later comes back as a revenant). The two continue to battle demons.
Is It Any Good?
The two main actresses who play Amy and Raquel, the demon-hunting duo, have excellent chemistry and terrific comedic timing. But most of the (often crude) humor in this comedy-horror-drama is overshadowed by the constant sense that something bad is about to happen, which it usually does. This tension could be good for viewers who like that sort of comedy-thriller. But for teens looking for a comedy, the demon transformations, spooky exorcisms, and bloody endings may short-circuit the laughs. What's not good for many teens is the way Crazyhead mixes mental illness with demonic possession. This may be confusing for some teens struggling with real-life mental health issues, as well as stigmatizing. Even as the main characters bond and support each other in their plight as "seers," the mixed message and demonization of a psychiatrist and other family members may be the series' most frightening part of all.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the girls in Crazyhead become friends in difficult circumstances. How is it helpful to Amy and Raquel for them to bond? In what ways do they empower each other to battle evil?
Talk about how humor and dark comedy are often used in fiction -- and in real life -- to diffuse scary situations. How does humor help in tense moments? Is it effective in this series? Why, or why not?
Families can discuss media portrayals of mental illness. How can it be destigmatized?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 19, 2016
- Cast : Susie Wokoma , Cara Theobold , Tony Curran
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 28, 2020
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