A new supernatural Netflix series serves as the perfect reminder to watch a canceled 85% Rotten Tomatoes series that features Elijah Wood as its lead.

Netflix‘s new supernatural series serves as the perfect reminder to visit another obscure but compelling show that boasts a Rotten Tomatoes score of 85%. Despite experiencing both hits and misses with its new releases, Netflix keeps experimenting with its content and continues to expand its library of diverse television shows. Although Netflix covers myriad television genres, supernatural shows are perhaps some of the most popular offerings on the platform because of their mass appeal.

While not all supernatural shows on the streaming site have been successful, others, like Strange Things, have grown into full-fledged franchises and turned profitable IPs for the streaming giant. Another new supernatural show has premiered on Netflix. Only time will determine whether it will become as popular as other renowned Netflix shows, but it already shows enough promise to etch its place among the streamer’s best supernatural offerings. Interestingly, the series also seems reminiscent of another acclaimed 8-year-old show.

Netflix’s Dead Boy Detectives Is Reminiscent Of Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency

Both Are Supernatural Detective Shows With Quirky Leads

Edwin and Charles face each other, hidden in a small closet in Dead Boy Detectives season 1
Charles and Edwin on a train looking curiously at a dead body covered by a white sheet in Dead Boy Detectives season 1 Crystal, Edwin, Charles, and Niko in the middle of the forest, looking at something with suspicion in Dead Boy Detectives season 1 Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency Renewed For Season 2 Dirk Gently preview with Elijah Wood

Dead Boy Detectives is based on comic book characters created by Neil Gaiman and also serves as a spin-off to Netflix’s The Sandman. However, a closer look at it suggests that it also shares many similarities with the British television series Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency. Like Dead Boy Detectives, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency features two young and quirky detective characters as its leads who solve mysteries that usually have supernatural undertones.

Like Dead Boy Detectives ‘ Edwin and Charles, Dirk Gently ‘s Todd and Dirk share a sense of whimsy and adventure that often lands them in the middle of complex supernatural mysteries.

Unlike Dead Boy Detectives, which primarily unfolds like a fantasy drama, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency inclines more toward the science fiction genre. However, similar to the Netflix series, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency appeal comes from the witty banter and eccentric dynamic between its two fast-talking main characters. The protagonists in Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency are not dead like the ones in Dead Boy Detectives. However, like Dead Boy Detectives‘ Edwin and Charles, Dirk Gently‘s Todd and Dirk share a sense of whimsy and adventure that often lands them in the middle of complex supernatural mysteries.

How Dead Boy Detectives Compares To Dirk Gently (Based On Rotten Tomatoes)

Both Shows Have Performed Well Among Critics

Edwin Paine and Charles Rowland in the midst of a misty forest in Dead Boy Detectives season 1 Edwin stands by their case board in Dead Boy Detectives
Edwin sits on the desk in Dead Boy Detectives Charles and Edwin smile at each other in the hallway in Dead Boy Detectives Edwin and Charles look at a glowing box in Dead Boy Detectives

Loosely inspired by the novel series of the same name by Douglas Adams (best known for writing Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy), Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency mostly received positive reviews from viewers and critics when it first premiered, and its first season still has a Rotten Tomatoes critics score of 71%. While its critics’ score may seem average, the show’s season 1 boasts an impressive audience score of 96%. Although Dirk Gently‘s season 2 has relatively fewer reviews, it has a perfect critics score of 100% and an equally commendable audience score of 92%.

Name of Show
Rotten Tomatoes Critics’ Score
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

Dead Boy Detectives
85%
94%

Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency
93%
86%

Netflix’s Dead Boy Detectives, on the other hand, has a critics score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and an audience score of 85%. It must be noted that the Netflix series has a lot more critics’ reviews than Dirk Gently and even has a “Certified Fresh” rating. However, since Dead Boy Detectives‘ audience score is slightly less than Dirk Gently‘s, it would be fair to say both shows have performed equally well from a critical standpoint. Both have been lauded for their supernatural hijinks and the compelling performances of their talented leads.

Why Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency Did Not Return For Season 3

Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency Was Canceled

Elijah Wood as Todd Brotzman in Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency holding hand in front of face

Unfortunately, despite being appreciated by viewers and critics, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency season 3 did not see the light of the day. After the release of its second season, the show was abruptly canceled by BBC America. Although the show’s critical ratings improved with season 2, it experienced a noticeable decline in viewership, which ultimately led to its cancelation. Hopefully, Netflix’s Dead Boy Detectives will not meet the same fate and attain the desired viewership numbers to get renewed for more seasons in the future.