Parents' Guide to The Nurse

TV Netflix Drama 2023
The Nurse TV show poster: Two nurses stare at each other through the window of a hospital room with the title "The Nurse" across the bottom.

Common Sense Media Review

Stephanie Morgan By Stephanie Morgan , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Female leads ground medical thriller; has drugs, language.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

Single mother Pernille (Fanny Louise Bernth) immigrates to Denmark to begin her career as a registered nurse and is taken under the wing of the most experienced nurse in the emergency department. As she finds her place and gives her all to her patients, danger is lurking nearby -- a mysterious figure appears to be poisoning vulnerable patients, stopping their hearts and sending them into cardiac arrest. Through a series of flashbacks, the origins of the hospital killer start to unfold.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

A gripping murder mystery that focuses not on "who done it" but why. The Nurse creates a quiet yet ominous atmosphere that doesn't feel sterile despite being set in a hospital. The vulnerability of patients is emphasized, making for a truly unsettling experience, and the two female leads have a dynamic chemistry that leaves viewers wanting more. At times the plot does feel a little thin and similarities to other recent TV and film offerings (Dr. Death, The Good Nurse) may leave some feeling a bit underwhelmed. Nonetheless, the show is a timely commentary on the challenges of being a whistleblower and questioning those in positions of power.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about which elements of the show set it apart from other murder mysteries. Are there any standout distinctions because the show is Dutch made? What do you think the show does well in terms of storytelling and character development?

  • The Nurse raises questions about whistleblowing and the difficulties of questioning a person in power. What are some real-life examples of whistleblowers who faced similar challenges?

  • Why do you think the show chose to focus more on the mystery of why the murders were being committed, rather than who? How does this impact the storytelling and the audience's engagement with the plot?

TV Details

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The Nurse TV show poster: Two nurses stare at each other through the window of a hospital room with the title "The Nurse" across the bottom.

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