Cosmos – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Cosmos

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2014

92%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Neil deGrasse Tyson takes you on a visually stunning tour of the universe—part science lesson, part cosmic love letter.

80%

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Cosmos

show

TV-G, 2014

92%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Neil deGrasse Tyson takes you on a visually stunning tour of the universe—part science lesson, part cosmic love letter.

80%

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80%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the gold standard for science television. Tyson's warmth and wonder make astrophysics feel accessible, and the visuals are so gorgeous you'll forget you're learning. The IMDb 9.2 isn't hype—it's earned.

Yes, there's occasional mild language and a few intense animated moments, but nothing that should derail a curious 10-year-old (or their parents). The real challenge is the density: these are 45-minute deep dives into big ideas, so younger or distractible kids may need breaks or co-watching to stay engaged.

If you want to spark a love of science, this is the move. Pair it with follow-up books or discussions, and you've got a family tradition that beats another Marvel rewatch.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10 and up due to mild language, occasional intense visuals, and dense scientific content. Younger kids (8–9) with a strong interest in science can enjoy it with co-watching and discussion breaks. Teens and adults will appreciate the depth and beauty—this isn't just for kids.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Tyson's warm, enthusiastic hosting creates an emotionally healthy tone that celebrates human curiosity and scientific discovery. The pacing is measured and contemplative rather than chaotic. Occasional animated violence (brief burning scene, explosions) and mild language ('hell,' 'damn,' 'ass') keep it from perfect, but the overall message models intellectual humility, wonder, and cooperation across cultures and time.

Imaginative

Stunning visual effects and the iconic 'Ship of the Imagination' invite viewers to explore the cosmos in ways that spark curiosity and awe. Each episode tackles big, abstract concepts—quantum physics, evolution, the scale of time—with creative storytelling and animation that makes the invisible visible. It's designed to inspire STEM learning and wonder about our place in the universe.

Safe

TV-PG with no sex, nudity, or graphic gore. Occasional mild profanity and brief animated violence (a man burning, space explosions) may startle younger or sensitive kids. No toxic messaging or surprise traumatic content, but the intensity of some visuals and the occasional strong language mean parents should preview or co-watch with kids under 10. Common Sense Media's age 10+ recommendation is spot-on.

Enriching

This is science education at its finest—accessible explanations of the laws of physics, evolution, cosmology, and humanity's quest for knowledge. It builds scientific literacy, critical thinking, and a sense of wonder. The series explicitly encourages viewers to question, explore, and understand the natural world. IMDb 9.2 and widespread acclaim from educators confirm its impact.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

IMDb 9.2 rating and widespread acclaim make this one of the best science shows ever made
Tyson's infectious enthusiasm and clear explanations make complex topics—quantum mechanics, evolution, the Big Bang—accessible and exciting
Stunning visual effects and creative storytelling (hello, Ship of the Imagination) turn abstract concepts into jaw-dropping experiences
Sparks genuine curiosity about STEM fields and humanity's place in the cosmos—educators and parents love it for inspiring kids to ask big questions
No fluff or dumbing down—it respects the audience's intelligence while remaining family-friendly

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What to Watch For

Mild language ('hell,' 'damn,' 'ass') pops up occasionally—nothing shocking, but worth noting for families with strict language rules
Brief animated violence (a man burning, space explosions) may be intense for sensitive younger kids
Dense scientific concepts can be abstract—younger viewers (under 10) may lose interest or need pauses for discussion
Some episodes touch on evolution and deep time, which is presented as established science (no caveats here—it's 2025)

Conversation Starters

"If you could travel anywhere in the universe on the Ship of the Imagination, where would you go first?"
"What's the wildest thing you learned in that episode? Did anything surprise you?"
"How do scientists figure out things that happened billions of years ago when no one was around to see it?"
"Do you think there's life on other planets? What would it take for us to find out?"
"If you could ask Neil deGrasse Tyson one question about space, what would it be?"

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