Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Murder, suicide, the occult in sensational docuseries.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Let the Devil In
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Inspired by Morgan Branden's podcast, The Devil Within, and hosted by actor and horror film producer Eli Roth, LET THE DEVIL IN is a docuseries that revisits a New Jersey murder-suicide case and its rumored association to the occult. In January 1988, 14-year-old Jefferson, N.J. Catholic school student Thomas "Tommy" Sullivan, Jr. violently murdered his devout Catholic mother Betty Ann and committed suicide after setting their house on fire. The violent nature of the crimes, along with the teenager's interest in satanic ritual and folklore and the odd self-inflicted wounds found on his body fueled rumors suggesting that the events were instigated by a demonic presence rather than psychological problems. Almost 40 years later, the series explores the claims that satanic practices played a role in what happened. Interviews with (now adult) friends of Sullivan, along with witnesses, Jefferson community members, religious leaders, and police investigators who worked the case share their experiences, including specific details that indicate supernatural involvement. Reenactments of events and limited archive footage of interviews and other scenes are also featured.
Is It Any Good?
This sensationalized docuseries examines details from the investigation of the Sullivan murder case that some argue serve as evidence of satanic rituals and demonic possession. Let the Devil In pulls out all the stops when it comes to creating an over-the-top shadowy and dramatic vibe thanks to dark lighting, creepy music, and a few special effects. However, it also contextualizes the rumors about occult-related activities within the 1980s phenomenon known as the "Satanic Panic," a public fear of satanic influences and rituals fueled by horror movies and the popularity of heavy metal music. As a result, despite sharing some of the strange, dark, or frightening things they witnessed before and after the crimes were committed, many of the folks featured here don't appear convinced of what they believe about what happened. Nonetheless, Let the Devil In has its share of creepy moments which some folks will find disturbing, and others will find entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Satanic Panic. How much responsibility do media outlets have in fueling this phenomenon?
Is Let the Devil in intended to convince viewers of the existence of the supernatural or the occult? Or is it simply meant to be entertaining?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 31, 2025
- Cast : Eli Roth
- Network : MGM+
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Faith ( Christianity )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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