I’ve heard people say The Magnus Archives has huge found family vibes, and I’ve heard people say it’s the opposite of that where you’re just watching relationships fall apart. I honestly understand where both takes are coming from, because it’s sort of neither and both.

For people who haven’t listened this is probably confusing, and I’ve had a few asks on this subject from people considering listening. I’m hoping this helps clear things up:



The Magnus Archives may appeal to people who like found family stories because:



It has so many moments of warmth and levity in the middle of dark situations.

The characters are lovable and varied, and they compliment each other well.

Some people are brought closer through trauma, and some strong, powerful bonds are formed. One of these forms the emotional core of the series and it’s very good.

good. There are moments of surprising tenderness, grace and connection all throughout. Often coming from people who are tired and emotionally fragile but still trying so hard.

Love and connection between people genuinely does save the day multiple times. The importance of connecting to others and keeping others around you is a theme.

multiple times. The importance of connecting to others and keeping others around you is a theme. This one is a little subjective, but the narrative seems very aware these characters are experiencing trauma as a result of the stressful things happening to them, and is sympathetic to that in a way that a lot of narratives aren’t.

The Magnus Archives may not appeal to people who like found family stories because:

There are so many instances where it’s painfully clear how close some people could have been if they didn’t push each other away, or if certain events didn’t happen.

if they didn’t push each other away, or if certain events didn’t happen. Some relationships fall apart completely and some characters die without interpersonal conflicts ever being repaired.

Sometimes characters reach out to others for connection, help or sympathy and are harshly pushed away.

Characters lash out at one another and are unfair to one another. There’s anger and extremely harsh words. Sometimes there’s the catharsis of communication/apology later, but more often there isn’t .

The world the characters live in is unfair and hostile.

The writer has directly said he plans for the story to end tragically, largely to warn anyone who might not deal well with that.

Overall the characters react to trauma in realistic, imperfect ways and the relationships between them reflect that. Some people grow closer, some relationships fall apart, and most of it is messy.

Hopefully this helps anyone still on the fence decide if it’s right for them!

Also, I think it’s important to note that The Magnus Archives really is psychological horror above all - the monsters and dangers usually have some psychological resonance with the characters and possibly the audience. Here’s a link to an episode-by-episode list of content warnings.