Dino Ranch – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Dino Ranch

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2021

48%

WISE Score

5.2

IMDb

Dinosaur ranch life sounds cool, but parents say this preschool show is plotless background noise that requires zero brain engagement.

5.2/10

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Dino Ranch

show

TV-Y, 2021

48%

WISE Score

5.2

IMDb

Dinosaur ranch life sounds cool, but parents say this preschool show is plotless background noise that requires zero brain engagement.

5.2

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5.2/10

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, Dino Ranch has its heart in the right place—diverse family, positive messages, dinosaurs. But let's be real: parent reviews are brutal, and for good reason. Multiple sources say it has no plot, requires zero thinking, and is basically animated wallpaper.

The 5.3 IMDb rating tells you everything. That's rough for a kids show. One Reddit user called it 'possibly the worst educational kids show about dinosaurs,' and Common Sense Media parent reviews say it's 'the complete opposite of what kids need.'

It's safe and won't traumatize anyone, but if you're looking for quality screen time that actually engages your kid's brain, keep scrolling. This is the show you put on when you need 20 minutes to unload the dishwasher and don't care if they're learning anything. There are so many better dinosaur options out there.

Age Fit

Squarely aimed at 3-6 year olds who just want colorful dinosaurs on screen. Common Sense Media rates it 5+, but the lack of substance means older preschoolers and kindergarteners will likely find it boring. This isn't a 'whole family can enjoy' situation.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Features a racially diverse adoptive family with positive role models who demonstrate cooperation and problem-solving. Characters are kind and work together. However, Common Sense Media notes moderate scariness from dinosaur-related situations, and the pacing is reportedly very slow and unengaging according to parent reviews.

Imaginative

Cowboys managing dinosaurs instead of livestock is a cute premise, but parent reviews on Common Sense Media specifically criticize that 'episodes have no real plot and do not require any thinking or engagement from the kids.' The concept is mildly creative but execution appears formulaic and unstimulating.

Safe

Available in kids mode on Disney+, appropriate for preschool audiences with Common Sense Media age rating of 5+. Some moderate scariness from dinosaur situations but nothing traumatic. Plugged In notes it 'may not be as family-friendly as parents might hope' but doesn't specify serious concerns beyond mild peril.

Enriching

While it models cooperation and features a diverse family, parent reviews are damning about educational value. One review states it 'does not require any thinking or engagement' and is 'the complete opposite of what kids need.' The 5.3 IMDb rating and Reddit post calling it 'possibly the worst educational kids show about dinosaurs' suggest minimal cognitive or learning value despite positive character modeling.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Features a racially diverse adoptive family with genuinely positive role models
Safe, gentle content appropriate for very young viewers without scary surprises
Cowboys + dinosaurs is an inherently appealing combo for the toddler set
Available on Disney+ with kids mode for easy, controlled access

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What to Watch For

Parent reviews are harsh—many say it has no real plot and doesn't engage kids' minds at all
The 5.3 IMDb rating is quite low for a kids show, suggesting even parents find it hard to tolerate
Moderate dinosaur-related scariness that might spook the most sensitive preschoolers
This is classic 'put it on so I can make lunch' TV, not quality screen time

Conversation Starters

"What would you do if we had dinosaurs on our ranch? What would you name them?"
"Which dinosaur from the show is your favorite and why?"
"How do the characters work together to solve problems with their dinosaurs?"

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