Dept. Q (Department Q) is a gritty British crime thriller series premiering on Netflix on May 29, 2025, adapted from Jussi Adler-Olsen’s bestselling novels.
Created by Scott Frank, the show follows Carl Mørck (Matthew Goode), a once-renowned detective, who’s been demoted and reassigned to a forgotten basement in Edinburgh.
From this unlikely headquarters, Carl leads a ragtag team of eccentric officers tasked with investigating cold cases no one else wants to touch.
Set against the backdrop of Scotland’s dark alleys and sharp-tongued police banter, Dept. Q blends intense procedural drama, psychological tension, and character-driven storytelling.
Dept. Q Age Rating
Dept. Q is officially rated TV-MA for strong language, violence, and mature thematic elements. The mature rating reflects the show’s intense subject matter and gritty tone. With its TV-MA rating, the series dives into mature content, making it essential for parents to consider its themes before letting younger viewers tune in.
Here’s a full breakdown of the content for parental consideration:
Violence
As a crime thriller, the series contains frequent depictions of violence related to murders, cold case investigations, and police confrontations.
Scenes may include dead bodies, physical altercations, and disturbing crime scene imagery.
Though not overly graphic, the violence is serious and thematically intense, reflective of real-life criminal investigations.
Language
Strong and frequent profanity is used throughout the series, including words like “fk” and “st.” The language reflects the hard-edged, often cynical world of law enforcement and criminal investigation, and may be jarring for younger or more sensitive viewers.
Sexual Content
The series does not focus on romantic or sexual content, but it does include occasional adult references and brief scenes involving sexual situations that may be suggestive.
These moments are not the central focus but contribute to the overall mature tone.
Mature Themes
Dept. Q dives deep into dark psychological and emotional territory, exploring trauma, grief, suicide, and abuse as part of cold case backstories.
Corruption, mental health struggles, and moral ambiguity are also key components. These elements are thoughtfully portrayed but may be emotionally challenging for younger audiences.
Is Dept. Q Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable. The show’s mature themes, strong language, and realistic depictions of violence make it inappropriate for pre-teens. Even with parental supervision, the content may be too intense or disturbing for this age group.
Ages 13–17: Not recommended. Although older teens interested in detective stories may be intrigued by the plot, Dept. Q contains consistent mature content that is better suited for adult audiences. The emotional heaviness and harsh language may be unsuitable, especially for younger teens.
Due to its gritty realism, mature investigations, and intense tone, Dept. Q is best viewed by adults and mature audiences comfortable with dark, thought-provoking content.
What Parents Can Do
Watch With Discretion: Preview the first episode to gauge the tone and thematic depth before deciding if it’s suitable for your teen.
Discuss Real-World Themes: The show touches on justice, trauma, and moral dilemmas. These can be powerful conversation starters if your teen watches the show.
Check Emotional Readiness: If your child is sensitive to depictions of violence or emotional distress, this series may not be appropriate, even if they are older.
FAQs
Q: What is the official age rating for Dept. Q?
A: The series is rated TV-MA for strong language, violence, and mature thematic elements.
Q: Is there graphic violence in Dept. Q?
A: The violence is realistic and often disturbing, involving cold cases and crime scenes, though not overtly gory.
Q: Can teens watch Dept. Q?
A: It is not recommended for viewers under 17 due to mature content and emotional intensity.
Q: Does Dept. Q contain sexual content?
A: There are brief sexual references and suggestive scenes, but they are not a major focus of the show.
Q: When does Dept. Q premiere?
A: The series debuts on Netflix on May 29, 2025.