Common Sense Media Review
By Mandie Caroll
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kid detectives solve mysteries in charming Aussie comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The InBESTigators
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 50 parent reviews
Parents say this series is a fun, engaging, and educational show for children, filled with charming characters and realistic mysteries that spark critical thinking. However, many reviewers have raised concerns about racial and gender stereotypes, particularly in the portrayal of characters, leading to mixed feelings about its overall impact on young viewers.
- fun and engaging
- educational messages
- racial stereotypes
- character concerns
- wholesome themes
Summarized with AI
Based on 24 kid reviews
Kids say this show offers a delightful mix of humor and mystery, but opinions vary widely regarding its portrayal of characters and storylines. While many enjoy the lighthearted nature and educational value, critics find the plot repetitive and the character stereotypes problematic, with some expressing that the “funny” elements often fall flat.
- humor appeal
- educational value
- character controversy
- repetitive plots
- family-friendly
- quirky storytelling
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE INBESTIGATORS are formed when 5th grader Ezra (Aston Droomer) meets a new student, Maudie (Anna Cooke), whose quick thinking helps get him out of a bind. In awe of her skills, he asks her to start a detective agency with him and their fellow classmates, Tyler (Jamil Smyth-Secka) and Ava (Abby Bergman). They set up shop in a granny flat in Ezra's backyard, plaster the neighborhood with promotional fliers, and clients flow in. They unravel cases like packages that disappear from a porch, a missing science project, and concert tickets that seem to vanish. The team works together, asking the right questions, until they uncover a clear lesson waiting behind each crime, such as "stealing hurts others," and "turn in your own work."
Is It Any Good?
This hilarious mockumentary comedy is a delight to watch along with kids. The InBESTigators' lines are often dripping with kid-friendly sarcasm and good-natured humor, and these cheeky detectives will keep parents chuckling along with their kids. The show's mysteries are generally low stakes (missing bake sale money, prank callers, a turtle thief), but they're sophisticated enough to keep big kid viewers engaged and guessing along. And the morals and values that get emphasized once a mystery is solved are relevant to young tweens.
It's delightful to see super smart Maudie take charge of the investigations, but the stereotypes attached to Ezra and Kyle are less enjoyable. Aside from this critique, the show has role-model worthy characters, life lessons that don't come off as preachy, and adults who largely trust kids to solve their own problems. It's an enjoyable, age-appropriate comedy for tweens, and parents will be entertained as well.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the critical thinking skills used by the kids in The InBESTigators. How do they use observation, analysis, evaluation, and explanation as they investigate? Have you ever solved a mystery? How?
What character strengths can you see in the InBESTigators? How have you worked as a team, shown empathy, or used your curiosity?
Did you notice any stereotypes? Why are stereotypes harmful? What might the show have done differently?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 21, 2019
- Cast : Anna Cooke , Abby Bergman , Aston Droomer , Jamil Smyth-Secka
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Empathy , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : November 3, 2026
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