Helpsters – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Helpsters

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2019

86%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Sesame Workshop's monster problem-solvers teach preschoolers that everything starts with a plan—and a song.

6.8/10

80%

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Helpsters

show

TV-Y, 2019

86%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Sesame Workshop's monster problem-solvers teach preschoolers that everything starts with a plan—and a song.

6.8

80%

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6.8/10

80%

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Screenwise Verdict

Helpsters is what you get when Sesame Workshop decides to tackle executive function: a genuinely educational show that doesn't feel like homework. The monster crew is likable, the problem-solving framework is practical, and parents report it actually sticks—kids start talking about 'making a plan' in real situations.

The Apple TV+ exclusivity is annoying if you're not already subscribed, and the format can feel samey if you marathon it. But as a regular rotation show for preschoolers? It's solid. The 6.8 IMDb rating undersells it—this isn't trying to be prestige TV, it's trying to teach 4-year-olds how to think through problems, and it does that well.

Not groundbreaking, not wildly imaginative, but competent, safe, and genuinely useful for the target age. If you've got a preschooler and Apple TV+, it's worth adding to the mix.

Age Fit

Solidly designed for ages 3-6, with the sweet spot around 4-5 when kids are developing those early planning and sequencing skills. By age 7 or 8, most kids will have moved on to content with more complex narratives.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and planning skills through a joyful monster crew. Parents consistently praise its ability to promote critical thinking and community in a positive, non-chaotic way. The tone is warm and cooperative throughout.

Imaginative

Each episode centers on creative problem-solving—planning parties, mastering magic tricks—which encourages kids to think through steps and solutions. However, it's more structured than open-ended; it teaches planning methodology rather than wild creative exploration.

Safe

Zero content concerns. No violence, scary elements, or inappropriate material. Apple TV+ Kids Mode available. Common Sense Media rates it for age 4+ with parent reviews universally positive on safety. IMDb parental guide shows no flags across all categories.

Enriching

Strong educational value focused on executive function skills—breaking down problems, making plans, sequencing steps. Common Sense Media specifically highlights critical-thinking promotion. Musical elements add engagement. Parents note it provokes problem-solving in real life.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Teaches genuine executive function skills: breaking problems into steps, making plans, thinking sequentially—stuff that actually helps kids in real life
From the Sesame Workshop team, so it has that quality educational DNA without being preachy or boring
Joyful, cooperative tone with monsters working together instead of the competitive chaos of many kids' shows
Musical elements keep younger kids engaged while sneaking in the learning
Parents report kids actually using 'make a plan' language after watching

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What to Watch For

Requires Apple TV+ subscription, so it's not accessible if you're not already in that ecosystem
Some parents find the format repetitive after binge-watching multiple episodes—better in smaller doses
Skews young (preschool-focused), so older elementary kids will likely find it babyish

Conversation Starters

"What's something you need to make a plan for this week? Should we break it into steps like the Helpsters?"
"Which Helpster would you want on your team to solve a problem? Why?"
"Can you think of a time today when having a plan would have made things easier?"

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