Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Dancing with the Stars is reality TV comfort food—predictable, sparkly, and mostly harmless. It's been on since 2005, which means it has that slightly dated feel, but recent seasons have tried to hook Gen Z with TikTok clips and younger pros.

The show does have real value: kids see people work hard, fail, improve, and sometimes succeed. The celebrity vulnerability is genuine, and the partnerships between stars and pros can be genuinely moving. You're also getting exposure to dance styles most kids would never see otherwise.

That said, it's not appointment viewing for most families in 2025. The episodes are long, the format is formulaic, and the median viewer age is literally retirement-age. The costumes and choreography mean you'll want to preview before letting younger kids watch—it's not inappropriate, but it's definitely aimed at an older audience.

If your tween is into dance or reality competitions, this is a solid choice. If they're not already interested, it's probably not going to convert them. It's fine background TV that won't rot anyone's brain, but it's not going to change anyone's life either.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10–14 and up. Younger kids might enjoy the dancing but will likely get bored during the long judging segments, and some costumes/choreography are better suited for tweens who can handle a little romance and sparkle.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

A competition show that celebrates hard work, partnership, and personal growth. Celebrities and professional dancers form genuine bonds and support each other through the learning process. The judging can occasionally be harsh but is generally constructive. Some romantic pairings and flirtatious choreography mean it's not squeaky-clean, but the overall tone is positive and encouraging. The show models perseverance and grace under pressure.

Imaginative

58

It's a dance competition with elaborate themed nights (Aladdin, Disney, etc.) that feature creative costumes and staging. The choreography showcases different ballroom and Latin styles, exposing viewers to various dance traditions. However, it's a formulaic reality competition—you watch, you don't create. There's no invitation to explore or build anything yourself. The imagination is in the performances, not in what it sparks for viewers.

Safe

78

Common Sense Media rates it for age 10+, which tracks with the occasional revealing costumes and romantic choreography. No violence, gore, or truly inappropriate content, but the sexy salsas and spray-tanned bodies in sequined outfits mean parents should preview before letting younger kids watch. The format is predictable and family-friendly—no surprise content. The show has deliberately courted Gen Z with TikTok clips, so modern teens are watching without issue.

Enriching

64

Kids can learn about different dance styles, see the value of practice and dedication, and watch people push through fear and failure. The show demonstrates that learning a new skill is hard work, and the celebrity vulnerability can be genuinely moving. That said, it's reality TV—the educational value is incidental to the entertainment. You're not walking away with deep insights, but you might appreciate the artistry of ballroom dance and the grit required to perform live.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Shows the value of hard work, practice, and pushing through embarrassment to learn something new
Exposes kids to ballroom and Latin dance traditions they wouldn't see elsewhere
Models positive partnerships between celebrities and pros who genuinely support each other
Live competition format means real stakes and authentic emotional moments
Themed nights and elaborate staging make it visually engaging

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What to Watch For

Some costumes are revealing and choreography can be suggestive—preview first for younger kids
Episodes are long (1+ hours) and can drag during the judging segments
The show skews older (median viewer age 63.5 in 2022) so kids might find it a bit slow or cheesy
Romantic pairings and flirtation are part of the formula

Conversation Starters

"Which dance style looked the hardest to learn? Would you want to try any of them?"
"How do you think the celebrities feel performing in front of millions of people?"
"Do you think the judges were fair? What makes good feedback versus mean feedback?"
"If you were on the show, who would you want as your dance partner and why?"

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