Des (2020) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Sexual content is limited to discussion and implication. Nilsen talks about his attraction to his male victims and details how he would undress them post-mortem. There is no on-screen nudity or sexual acts, but conversations allude to his homosexual orientation and sexually motivated crimes. A blurred/out-of-focus pin-up poster is briefly visible in Nilsen's room.

Violence is primarily implied and discussed, focusing on the aftermath of Nilsen's murders rather than the acts themselves. The most graphic visual is the discovery of human remains (bones and flesh) clogging a drain, shown briefly but disturbingly. The series frequently details the methods of killing and body disposal during police interviews and trial testimony, which is disturbing but not visually explicit. There are no on-screen fights or overtly violent acts depicted.

Profanity is moderate, with several uses of the 'f-word' and other strong curse words throughout the season, mainly in moments of stress or frustration for the police officers. Dialogue often includes clinical discussions of Nilsen's sexually motivated murders, which can be unsettling.

Smoking is very frequent, with nearly every adult character, particularly police and Nilsen himself, smoking continuously throughout scenes. Alcohol consumption is less frequent but present, with characters seen drinking socially or in a pub setting. Nilsen occasionally mentions he or his victims consumed alcohol or drugs before their deaths, but this is descriptive rather than depicted.

The central themes revolve around serial murder, the psychological motivations of a killer, and the painstaking process of police investigation. Discussions of death, dismemberment, and the emotional toll on victims' families and investigators are pervasive. The series explores Nilsen's disturbed psyche, his lack of remorse, and the societal implications of his actions, making for consistently intense and disturbing subject matter.