Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Screenwise Verdict

This is what a kids' podcast should be: smart, funny, and actually entertaining for parents too. Adam Gidwitz knows his stuff—he's a bestselling children's author who understands that kids can handle darkness when it's framed well.

The genius here is the rating system. Not every kid is ready for the same level of spooky, and the podcast respects that. You can start with 'Grimm' episodes (mild) and work your way up to 'Grimmest' (properly dark) as your kid's tolerance grows.

The real kids on the show make it work—they're funny, they call out plot holes, and they model how to engage critically with stories. It's not just passive listening; it's a conversation about narrative, morality, and why fairy tales are so weird and wonderful.

Yes, there's violence and scary stuff, but that's fairy tales. If you're looking for sanitized Disney versions, this isn't it. If you want your kid to understand the real cultural heritage of these stories while laughing at the absurdity, this is gold.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-12, though the tiered system means younger kids can start with gentler episodes and older kids can enjoy the darkest ones. Adults often enjoy it too—Gidwitz is a skilled storyteller and the kid commentary is genuinely funny.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

82

Adam Gidwitz retells classic fairy tales with kids as co-hosts who crack jokes and share perspectives, creating a warm, interactive atmosphere. The podcast models curiosity and humor while respecting that fairy tales can be dark. The tiered rating system (Grimm/Grimmer/Grimmest) lets families choose their comfort level, showing respect for different sensitivities. The interactive format with real kids builds connection and demonstrates healthy ways to process spooky stories together.

Imaginative

88

Takes classic fairy tales and adds 'hilarious and unique twists' while kids actively anticipate plot changes and share their own perspectives. The format itself is creative—turning storytelling into a collaborative, improvisational experience where children's imaginations shape the conversation. Fairy tales are already rich imaginative territory, and Gidwitz (a bestselling author) clearly knows how to spin them in fresh ways. The laugh-out-loud moments come from 'ridiculous and unexpected situations,' suggesting genuine creative surprise rather than formulaic retellings.

Safe

78

Parent's Choice Gold Winner that's explicitly designed for kids, with clear content warnings via the Grimm/Grimmer/Grimmest rating system. Bark confirms stories are 'presented in a kid-friendly way' despite embracing the 'dark and weird nature' of Grimm tales. Common Sense Media notes 'violence and sudden...' moments, but the tiered system lets parents choose appropriately. The original Grimm tales do contain violence, abandonment, and scary themes—that's the point—but the podcast telegraphs this clearly. No inappropriate language, sexual content, or truly shocking material. The transparency is the safety feature here.

Enriching

85

Introduces kids to classic literary fairy tales (cultural literacy) while teaching critical thinking—the kids on the show 'anticipate plot twists' and analyze stories in real-time. Fairy tales carry moral lessons and archetypal patterns that help kids process fear, justice, and consequences. The interactive format models active listening and literary analysis. Gidwitz is a respected children's author, so the storytelling quality is high. The humor makes it entertaining while the content is substantive—kids learn about narrative structure, cultural heritage, and how to think critically about stories.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Parent's Choice Gold Winner that actually delivers—funny, smart, and genuinely entertaining for both kids and adults
The tiered rating system (Grimm/Grimmer/Grimmest) lets you pick episodes based on your kid's tolerance for spooky content
Real kids co-host and crack jokes, making it feel like a conversation rather than a lecture—they anticipate twists and call out absurdities
Introduces classic fairy tales with fresh twists, building cultural literacy while teaching kids to think critically about stories
Perfect for car rides or bedtime when you want something substantive that won't rot their brains

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What to Watch For

These are Grimm fairy tales, so expect violence, scary moments, abandonment themes, and occasional darkness—that's literally the point
Sensitive kids should stick to 'Grimm' episodes; 'Grimmest' ones lean into the creepy stuff more heavily
Some sudden scary moments and violence typical of the source material—preview episode descriptions if your kid startles easily

Conversation Starters

"Which version of the story do you like better—the one we just heard or the Disney version? Why?"
"If you were [character name], what would you have done differently?"
"Why do you think the old fairy tales were so scary? What were they trying to teach kids back then?"
"Which episode rating do you think you're ready for—Grimm, Grimmer, or Grimmest?"

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