Critical Role – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Critical Role

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

YouTube2014

76%

WISE Score

Subscribers

Voice actors play Dungeons & Dragons for 3-4 hours weekly—it's collaborative storytelling gold, but definitely not Bluey.

7.8

Critical Role

YouTube

2014

76%

WISE Score

Subscribers

Voice actors play Dungeons & Dragons for 3-4 hours weekly—it's collaborative storytelling gold, but definitely not Bluey.

7.8

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7.8

4.2K

Screenwise Verdict

Critical Role is legitimately excellent at what it does—showcasing collaborative storytelling, improvisation, and the magic of tabletop RPGs. The cast is talented, the stories are engaging, and it models phenomenal teamwork and creative problem-solving.

But let's be real: this is a niche product. Each episode is a 3-4 hour commitment of watching people sit around a table rolling dice and talking. For adults who love fantasy and have the time? It's appointment viewing. For kids? Most will bounce off it hard. The pacing is glacial by modern entertainment standards, the content is mature, and there's no visual spectacle to maintain attention.

If your teen is already into D&D and fantasy novels, they might genuinely love it. But don't expect your 10-year-old to sit through a four-hour session of improvisational storytelling. There are better entry points to tabletop gaming for younger audiences.

Age Fit

Best for teens 14+ and adults who love fantasy storytelling and have the patience for long-form, unedited content. Younger kids interested in D&D would be better served by edited actual-play content designed for their age group.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models exceptional collaboration, problem-solving, and empathy through cooperative storytelling. Players demonstrate kindness, support each other through narrative challenges, and work together toward shared goals. However, fantasy violence, mature themes, and occasional adult language prevent a higher score. The tone is generally positive and emotionally healthy, with strong emphasis on friendship and teamwork.

Imaginative

Literally showcases world-building and creative storytelling in real-time. Players and DM collaboratively construct intricate narratives, solve problems through lateral thinking, and explore vast fantasy worlds. Demonstrates how tabletop RPGs work as creative engines. Inspires viewers to engage in their own storytelling and role-playing. The improvisational nature means constant originality and unexpected narrative turns.

Safe

Fantasy violence is frequent (combat encounters, monster battles, character deaths), and mature themes include war, trauma, loss, and moral ambiguity. Occasional strong language and adult humor. Some episodes contain intense emotional moments and darker storylines. However, it lacks graphic visual content (being live-action people around a table), and the violence is described rather than shown. No sexual content beyond occasional innuendo. The 'kids mode available' signal suggests some content filtering exists, but core show remains adult-oriented.

Enriching

Extraordinary demonstration of collaborative storytelling, improvisational skills, mathematical thinking (dice mechanics), strategic planning, and emotional intelligence. Shows conflict resolution, ethical decision-making in complex scenarios, and consequences of choices. Players model how to handle failure gracefully and celebrate others' successes. Introduces mythology, history, and complex narrative structures. However, the extreme length and slow pacing can limit accessibility and engagement for many viewers.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Showcases world-class collaborative storytelling and improvisation—watching creative people build narratives together in real-time is genuinely inspiring
Models exceptional teamwork, problem-solving, and handling both success and failure with grace and humor
Demonstrates how tabletop RPGs work, potentially inspiring kids to try D&D themselves (which has massive developmental benefits)
The cast's genuine friendship and support for each other creates a warm, inclusive viewing experience
Explores complex ethical dilemmas and consequences in a fantasy setting, encouraging critical thinking about choices

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What to Watch For

This is adult entertainment—fantasy combat, character deaths, war, trauma, loss, and occasional strong language throughout
Episodes run 3-4 hours each, which is a massive time commitment and realistically too slow-paced for most kids under 13
The improvisational nature means pacing can drag during certain stretches—it's not edited for maximum engagement
Some campaigns include darker themes, body horror, and intense emotional moments that may be disturbing for younger viewers

Conversation Starters

"What would your D&D character be? What kind of story would you want to tell?"
"How do the players work together to solve problems? What happens when they disagree?"
"Why do you think the characters made that choice? What would you have done differently?"
"What makes a good story? How do the players and DM build the world together?"