Dept. Q is a new crime thriller series on Netflix. It is based on the popular book series Department Q by Jussi Adler-Olsen. This show was created by Scott Frank and Chandni Lakhani, and it started streaming on May 29, 2025.
The story follows Carl Morck, a former top detective, who is now working in a basement office in Edinburgh. He leads a team of misfit officers who work on old, unsolved cases. Together, they try to find justice for forgotten victims.
The show stars Matthew Goode, Kelly Macdonald, Chloe Pirrie, and others. It is full of mystery, suspense, and emotional stories.
| Title | Dept. Q (2025) |
|---|---|
| Genre | Crime, Thriller, Drama |
| Based On | Department Q novels by Jussi Adler-Olsen |
| Created By | Scott Frank, Chandni Lakhani |
| Main Cast | Matthew Goode, Kelly Macdonald, Chloe Pirrie, Alexej Manvelov, Mark Bonnar |
| Release Date | May 29, 2025 |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Number of Episodes | 9 |
| Running Time | 42–71 minutes per episode |
| Country | United Kingdom, United States |
| Age Rating | TV-MA |
What is the Age Rating of Dept. Q?
Netflix has rated Dept. Q as TV-MA. This means the show is for adults only. It has strong language, violence, and serious topics that are not okay for kids or teens.
Age-wise Viewing Guide
| Age Group | Is It Suitable? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| 5–9 years | Not suitable | Too violent and intense |
| 10–12 years | Not suitable | Scary content and strong language |
| 13–15 years | Not recommended | Serious topics, crime scenes, sexual content |
| 16–17 years | Watch with caution | Only if mature and with parental guidance |
| 18+ years | Suitable for adults | Intended for mature viewers |
Is Dept. Q OK for Kids or Teens?
No, Dept. Q is not suitable for children under 17 years old.
Here’s a breakdown by age:
- Ages 10–12: Not suitable. The violence and dark topics may be too scary or upsetting.
- Ages 13–17: Not recommended. Even older teens may find the language, crime scenes, and emotional moments too much.
Dept. Q Parents Guide
This show has some serious and mature content. Parents should know what to expect before letting teens or older kids watch.
Violence
- Many episodes include murders, fights, and police confrontations.
- Dead bodies are shown. Some crime scenes look disturbing.
- S1E4: Shows a victim’s body and a bloody crime scene.
- The violence is not always graphic, but it feels very real and can be intense.
Language
- The series has strong and frequent profanity.
- Words like “fk”, “st”, and even “cnt” are used.
- Carl Morck, the main character, uses most of the strong words.
- The language is not okay for younger audiences.
Sexual Content
- There are brief and mild sexual scenes.
- S1E4 (46:47): A woman wears a slightly transparent bra. Her nipple is visible for a moment.
- S1E4 (47:37): A man’s bare buttocks are shown.
- S1E6: Full side nudity (male and female).
- S1E2: Teen sex is heard behind a door, but not seen.
- These scenes are not the main focus, but they are present.
Drugs, Smoking, Alcohol
- There is mild use of alcohol and smoking.
- These are not shown often or in detail.
Frightening & Intense Scenes
- Many scenes involve tense investigations, emotional breakdowns, and dangerous criminals.
- Some episodes have scenes of suicide, abuse, and grief.
- The show has a dark tone and may upset sensitive viewers.
Tips for Parents
- Preview the Show: Watch the first episode to see if it’s right for your family.
- Talk About It: If your teen watches it, discuss the real-world issues like justice, trauma, and grief.
- Check Reactions: If your child is sensitive to sadness or violence, it may not be the right show for them.
Dept. Q Official Trailer
Dept. Q premiered on 29 May 2025 and is also available to stream on Netflix.
FAQs
Q: What is the official age rating for Dept. Q?
A: Dept. Q is rated TV-MA for strong language, violence, and mature themes.
Q: Can teenagers watch Dept. Q?
A: The show is not recommended for teens under 17 due to intense scenes and adult content.
Q: Is the violence in Dept. Q very graphic?
A: The violence is realistic and disturbing, but not overly gory. It shows dead bodies, crime scenes, and physical fights.
Q: Does Dept. Q have sexual content?
A: Yes, it includes brief nudity and sexual references, but this is not the main focus.
Q: When did Dept. Q come out on Netflix?
A: The show premiered on May 29, 2025.