Everything's Gonna Be Okay – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Everything's Gonna Be Okay

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2020

71%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A queer twentysomething becomes guardian to his teen sisters (one autistic) after their dad dies—heartfelt, messy, and refreshingly real.

97%

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Everything's Gonna Be Okay

show

12, 2020

71%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A queer twentysomething becomes guardian to his teen sisters (one autistic) after their dad dies—heartfelt, messy, and refreshingly real.

97%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a gem for the right audience, but it's definitely not for everyone. If you've got an older teen who's ready for mature content and appreciates thoughtful storytelling, this is one of the best shows out there for authentic representation of both autism and queer identity.

The show doesn't sugarcoat or sensationalize—it just shows messy, real people trying their best. That's both its strength and its limitation. It's not going to appeal to kids looking for fast-paced entertainment, and the sexual content means you really do need to respect that 15+ threshold.

But for families with older teens, especially those navigating neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ identity, or non-traditional family structures, this could spark genuinely meaningful conversations. The 97% critic score isn't hype—it's earned. Just make sure your kid is actually ready for the mature themes before you hit play.

Age Fit

Best for older teens (15+) and adults who appreciate character-driven dramedies with emotional depth. The mature content (sexual situations, language) makes it inappropriate for middle schoolers despite the teen characters. Adults will appreciate the nuanced writing and representation.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Created by Josh Thomas, this heartfelt comedy-drama follows a twentysomething becoming guardian to his two teenage half-sisters (one of whom is autistic). The show models genuine family care, navigating grief after their father's death, and features authentic representation of neurodivergent characters. The emotional tone is grounded and kind, though it deals with real challenges like loss, dating, and family dysfunction in honest ways that may feel heavy at times.

Imaginative

The show brings fresh perspective to the family sitcom format by centering an autistic teen character (played by an actually autistic actor) and exploring queer relationships without making them 'issues.' It invites viewers to see family structures differently and models creative problem-solving in unconventional situations. However, it's more character-driven realism than fantastical or world-building imagination.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates this 13+, and that tracks. The show includes frank discussions and depictions of teen sexuality, LGBTQ+ relationships, some substance use, and mature language. While there's no graphic violence or gore, the sexual content and mature themes mean younger kids stumbling onto this would encounter age-inappropriate material. It's not gratuitous, but it's definitely present and matter-of-fact in a way that's designed for older teen/adult audiences.

Enriching

Exceptionally strong on representation and empathy-building. Features authentic autistic representation (both in character and actor), normalizes queer relationships, explores grief and found family dynamics with nuance. The show offers genuine insight into what it means to step up for family, navigate disability accommodations, and grow up in messy, real ways. Critics loved it (97% RT, 79 Metacritic) for good reason—it's emotionally intelligent and offers meaningful takeaways about acceptance, responsibility, and love.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely excellent autistic representation with an actually autistic actor playing a fully-realized character, not a stereotype
Normalizes LGBTQ+ relationships and neurodiversity without making them 'special episodes' or teaching moments
Explores grief, family responsibility, and growing up with emotional intelligence and humor
Critics loved it (97% RT) for being both funny and deeply moving
Models imperfect but committed caregiving and sibling bonds

⚠

What to Watch For

Mature sexual content and frank discussions about sex—this is not a family show for younger kids
The father's terminal illness and death are central to the premise and explored throughout
Some substance use and mature language
It's a slower-paced character study, not a laugh-track sitcom—some teens may find it boring

Conversation Starters

"What do you think about how Nicholas stepped up for his sisters? Would that be hard for you?"
"The show portrays Matilda's autism really authentically—what did you notice about how she experiences the world?"
"How do you think grief affects people differently? Why does Genevieve act out while Matilda seems more withdrawn?"
"What makes a family a family in this show? Is it just about being related?"

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