Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

City of Ghosts is that rare kids' show that actually delivers on its educational promise without sacrificing entertainment—though 'entertainment' here means thoughtful, gentle exploration rather than laugh-out-loud comedy or action.

The perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score tells you something real: this show respects kids' intelligence and curiosity. It's essentially teaching documentary literacy, oral history, and cultural appreciation while wrapped in a kid-friendly supernatural framework. The ghosts are never scary—they're neighbors with memories to share.

The main caveat? It's slow. Beautifully, intentionally slow. If your kid needs constant stimulation or thrives on action, this might not land. But for curious, thoughtful kids (or ones you're trying to cultivate that vibe in), it's gold. Also works great as a 'calm down' show before bed.

It's very LA-specific, but the core idea—that every place has stories worth discovering—translates universally. This is the show you put on when you want your kid to actually learn something meaningful, not just zone out.

Age Fit

Best for ages 5-10, especially kids who enjoy gentle storytelling and are curious about how things work or used to be. The documentary-hybrid format and calm pacing work beautifully for early elementary, but tweens will likely find it too young.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

92

Exceptionally wholesome animated series that models cooperation, community engagement, and intergenerational respect. The Ghost Club kids work together to help spirits and learn about their neighbors' stories. Gentle tone, no conflict beyond problem-solving, and celebrates diverse Los Angeles communities with warmth and kindness. Pacing is deliberate and calm—perfect for younger viewers.

Imaginative

88

Unique premise blending ghost stories with local history and cultural exploration. The show invites kids to think about their own neighborhoods differently and consider the stories behind places they know. The animation style is distinctive and creative, mixing documentary-style interviews with fantastical elements. Encourages curiosity about history, community, and storytelling itself.

Safe

95

Remarkably safe for its ghost theme—these are friendly, non-scary spirits with personal stories, not horror content. No violence, no frightening imagery, no inappropriate content. Common Sense Media rates it for age 7, and it's available in Netflix Kids mode. The 'ghosts' are essentially friendly neighbors sharing memories. Perfect for kids who might be spooked by traditional ghost stories.

Enriching

90

Genuinely educational without feeling like a lesson. Kids learn real Los Angeles history, diverse cultural traditions, and community stories through engaging ghost interviews. Builds empathy by showing how listening to others' experiences matters. Encourages interest in local history, oral traditions, and cultural heritage. The documentary-hybrid format introduces media literacy concepts naturally.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

100% on Rotten Tomatoes isn't just hype—this show nails the balance of entertaining and educational without being preachy
Introduces kids to the idea that every neighborhood has stories and history worth exploring, which is genuinely cool
Celebrates LA's diverse communities authentically—kids see themselves and learn about others through real cultural traditions
The 'ghosts' angle makes history engaging without any scary content—these spirits are basically friendly grandparents with stories to share
Calm pacing and gentle tone make it perfect for winding down or for kids who get overwhelmed by high-energy shows

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What to Watch For

The deliberate, documentary-style pacing might bore kids used to faster-paced cartoons—this is more 'thoughtful exploration' than 'action adventure'
Very LA-specific content, though the themes of community and local history translate anywhere
Some kids expecting traditional 'ghost' content might be disappointed—these are memory-sharing spirits, not spooky specters

Conversation Starters

"What stories do you think our neighborhood has? Who could we talk to about what things were like here before?"
"If you could interview anyone about the past—like a grandparent or neighbor—what would you want to know?"
"The show talks about how places change over time. What's something you wish you knew about our town or city from a long time ago?"
"Why do you think it's important to remember and share stories about the past?"

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