Harriet the Spy – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Harriet the Spy

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2021

79%

WISE Score

6.7

IMDb

A curious 11-year-old wannabe writer spies on everyone—wholesome, funny, and perfectly safe, even if not particularly memorable.

6.7/10

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Harriet the Spy

show

TV-G, 2021

79%

WISE Score

6.7

IMDb

A curious 11-year-old wannabe writer spies on everyone—wholesome, funny, and perfectly safe, even if not particularly memorable.

6.7

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Screenwise Verdict

This 2021 Apple TV+ animated series takes the classic Harriet the Spy story and makes it safe, colorful, and perfectly fine for young kids. It's got a great premise—a curious 11-year-old who wants to be a writer and observes everything—and parents appreciate that it models creativity and resilience.

But here's the thing: it's just okay. The 6.8 IMDb rating and 'so-so' Common Sense Media review tell the story. It's not bad, but it's not going to blow anyone's mind either. If your kid is into writing or loves a good detective-style adventure, they'll probably enjoy it. If they're looking for something more dynamic or hilarious, they might get bored.

The safety profile is impeccable—zero concerning content—so you can let younger elementary kids watch without worry. It's wholesome without being saccharine, and it does encourage curiosity and observation. Just don't expect it to become anyone's favorite show.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media pegs this at 6+, which feels right. It's aimed squarely at elementary schoolers who are curious about the world and starting to think about what they want to be. Probably loses steam by middle school unless a kid is particularly into writing or nostalgic.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Features an 11-year-old protagonist pursuing her writing dreams with curiosity and determination. Parent reviews note she's 'a bit difficult' and rebellious but fundamentally a good kid. Models resilience and problem-solving. The adventures are age-appropriate and funny without being chaotic or mean-spirited.

Imaginative

Centers on a young writer who observes everything around her, naturally encouraging curiosity and creative expression. The premise of spying and documenting observations invites kids to think about storytelling and perspective. Adventures are the kind kids would want to live, igniting imagination even while knowing they're not entirely possible.

Safe

IMDb parent guide shows zero concerning content across all categories (no sex/nudity, violence, profanity, drugs, or frightening scenes). Common Sense Media rates it for age 6+. Multiple parent review sites describe it as 'parent approved' with no red flags. Apple TV+ kids mode available. This is squeaky clean animated content.

Enriching

Promotes curiosity, observation skills, and the pursuit of creative dreams (writing). Parent reviews highlight that kids value seeing a character who wants to be a writer. Teaches resilience and problem-solving. However, it's described as 'so-so' by Common Sense Media and has a modest 6.8 IMDb rating, suggesting it's decent but not groundbreaking in its lessons or execution.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Celebrates a kid who dreams of being a writer and actively pursues that goal through observation and note-taking
Funny adventures that spark imagination without being overly chaotic or mean
Squeaky clean content—literally zero red flags on safety (no violence, profanity, scary scenes)
Models curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving in age-appropriate ways
Parent-approved across multiple review sites

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What to Watch For

Harriet is described as 'rebellious' and 'a bit difficult'—she's not a perfect angel, which is realistic but might annoy some parents
Reviews call it 'so-so' with a modest 6.8 IMDb rating—it's fine but not must-see TV
Apple TV+ exclusive, so you need that subscription

Conversation Starters

"If you could spy on anyone for a day to learn their story, who would it be and why?"
"Harriet writes everything down in her notebook—what would you want to document about your own life?"
"Do you think it's okay to be curious about other people, or is there a line you shouldn't cross?"

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