Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Standard mystery-drama delivers spooks with violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Devil in Ohio
What's the Story?
DEVIL IN OHIO, based on Daria Polatin's YA novel, focuses on a teenage girl named Mae (Madeleine Arthur), who escapes a satanic cult and finds herself in the hospital under psychiatrist Suzanne's (Emily Deschanel) care. When Suzanne places Mae in her home with her family, she is able to learn more about the cult that Mae came from, as well as how to save her from their clutches.
Is It Any Good?
This is a run-of-the-mill spooky mystery drama, but calling it "run-of-the-mill" doesn't mean it's bad. Indeed, Devil in Ohio hits all of the main beats fans of this genre love, while providing some YA content as well, with the central mystery revolving around a teenage girl and how that mystery comes to entangle many of the cast's teen characters. Overall, it's an easily bingeable show for fans of the types of creepy shows that might air during Fox's primetime hour.
If you liked Deschanel from her time on Bones, you'll like what she's doing in Devil in Ohio as well. Once again, she's a doctor, but instead of solving crimes, she's a hospital psychiatrist. But regardless, she's using her skills and abilities to help those in need. Arthur as Mae is also good as a girl who slowly unravels her trauma to become more empowered than she was before. As for the mystery itself, it's rife with eerie imagery and scares, as well as some torture. But as far as scary shows go, Devil in Ohio is light in actual terror and is more focused on atmospheric scares. Viewers who don't like watching anything regarding satanism might want to sit this one out. Otherwise, fans of light scares around spooky season should give Devil in Ohio a try.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Mae. How does she show resilience and courage?
How does Suzanne's prior experience with trauma inform her decision-making with Mae?
How does Suzanne show compassion and empathy to Mae?
How is racial diversity represented in the series?
How are LGBTQ+ experiences represented in the series?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 2, 2022
- Cast : Emily Deschanel , Madeleine Arthur , Gerardo Celasco , Sam Jaeger
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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