DuckTales (2017) – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

DuckTales (2017)

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2017

88%

WISE Score

Scrooge, Donald, and the triplets hunt treasure and build family bonds—the reboot kids actually want to watch.

DuckTales (2017)

show

TV-Y7, 2017

88%

WISE Score

Scrooge, Donald, and the triplets hunt treasure and build family bonds—the reboot kids actually want to watch.

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Screenwise Verdict

This is how you do a reboot. DuckTales (2017) took a beloved 80s cartoon and made it sharper, funnier, and more emotionally resonant without losing the adventurous spirit. The animation is gorgeous, the voice acting is top-tier (David Tennant as Scrooge!), and the serialized storytelling gives kids something to actually follow and theorize about.

It's not just nostalgia bait for parents—kids who've never seen the original are hooked by the treasure hunts, sibling dynamics, and genuine stakes. The show respects its audience enough to build long-term character arcs and doesn't talk down to kids. Some peril and scary moments mean it's not for the under-6 crowd, but for elementary and middle schoolers, this is genuinely great family television that won't make you want to gouge your eyes out on the 47th rewatch.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-14, though the clever writing and nostalgia factor means parents and older teens who grew up with the original will genuinely enjoy it too. Kids under 6 might find some villains and peril scary.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models family unity, teamwork, and loyalty without being preachy. The reboot balances adventure with genuine emotional beats—Scrooge's relationship with his nephews, Donald's parenting struggles, and themes of belonging. Comedic tone keeps things light while still landing meaningful lessons. Some mild peril and mischief, but always in service of character growth and cooperation.

Imaginative

Treasure hunts, lost civilizations, and globe-trotting adventures that spark curiosity about mythology, history, and exploration. The reboot modernized the original with serialized storytelling, deeper character arcs, and clever callbacks that reward attentive viewers. Webby's enthusiasm for adventure and the triplets' distinct personalities invite kids to imagine their own expeditions. The show doesn't just present fantasy—it makes you want to draw maps and create your own stories.

Safe

Occasional fantasy violence and peril (chases, traps, villains), but it's always comedic and cartoonish—no gore, no real danger that feels traumatic. IMDb parents guide confirms 'mild fantasy violence' and 'comedic mischief.' Common Sense Media rates it 6-7+, noting that intense scenes are balanced with humor. Available in Disney+ kids mode. Some scary moments (ancient curses, menacing villains) might startle younger viewers, but nothing nightmare-inducing for the target age.

Enriching

Strong 8.3 IMDb rating reflects quality storytelling. The show weaves in mythology, history, and problem-solving without feeling educational in a boring way. Characters face real consequences and learn from mistakes—Scrooge confronts his past, the kids learn responsibility, and family bonds deepen through shared challenges. Parent reviews praise its 'important but light' themes. It's legitimately entertaining for adults too, with sharp writing and Easter eggs that reward knowledge of the original series.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Sharp writing that entertains kids and adults equally—no cringe factor for parents stuck watching
Adventure stories spark curiosity about mythology, history, and exploration without feeling like homework
Models messy, realistic family dynamics (Scrooge's gruffness, Donald's stress) alongside genuine love and loyalty
Serialized storytelling rewards attention and makes kids excited for the next episode
Webby and the triplets have distinct personalities and real character growth across seasons

⚠

What to Watch For

Some episodes feature scary villains, ancient curses, and perilous situations that might be too intense for sensitive kids under 6
Mild cartoon violence (chases, explosions, comedic punches) is frequent but never graphic
Binge-watching temptation is real—the serialized format makes 'just one more episode' hard to resist

Conversation Starters

"If you could go on a treasure hunt anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you hope to find?"
"Which triplet are you most like—Huey the planner, Dewey the showoff, or Louie the schemer?"
"Scrooge is super rich but also kind of lonely. Do you think money makes people happy?"
"What's the coolest historical or mythological thing you learned from this episode?"

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