Is this channel only for people who are already religious?

While the mission is explicitly Christian, the stories focus on universal human experiences like loss, addiction, and finding purpose. Even if you aren't part of a faith community, the 'White Chair' films offer high-quality biographical storytelling that can spark great conversations about ethics and resilience.

Are there any 'jump scares' or inappropriate ads?

The content itself is very calm and predictable—no jump scares here. However, because it's on YouTube, the ads are controlled by Google's algorithms, not the creators. Using a YouTube Premium account or a kid-safe browser is always a good move to avoid weird ad placements.

Which video should we start with?

For sports fans, look for the films featuring professional athletes like Albert Pujols or Clayton Kershaw. For musicians, the Anne Wilson or Thunderstorm Artis episodes are great. Starting with someone your kid already recognizes makes the 'heavy' stuff much more approachable.

How do I handle the 'heavy' topics that come up?

Don't feel like you have to have all the answers. The best approach is to ask your kid, 'What do you think he meant when he said he hit rock bottom?' Let the video do the heavy lifting and use your time to listen to their reactions.

I Am Second – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

I Am Second

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

YouTube2009

84%

WISE Score

244K

Subscribers

Raw, minimalist faith stories that trade flashy sermons for a white chair and a lot of honesty.

I Am Second

YouTube

2009

84%

WISE Score

244K

Subscribers

Raw, minimalist faith stories that trade flashy sermons for a white chair and a lot of honesty.

Jump to

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244.0K

Screenwise Verdict

I Am Second is the 'MasterClass' of Christian testimonies. It’s been around since 2009, but the minimalist 'White Chair' format hasn't aged a day because human struggle and redemption are evergreen. It’s one of the few places on YouTube where you can find high-quality, intentional content that actually respects the viewer's intelligence.

If you have a teenager who is cynical about 'churchy' things, this is a great pivot. It doesn't scream at you; it just tells a story and lets you sit with it. Just keep an eye on the YouTube algorithm, which loves to lead people away from focused content into the weeds of the platform.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12 and up. While there's nothing 'inappropriate' for younger kids, the nuance of the life struggles discussed—like marital breakdown or substance recovery—will likely fly over their heads or just feel depressing.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The entire premise is built on humility, personal accountability, and resilience. It models emotional honesty and the idea that being 'second' is a strength, not a failure.

Imaginative

While the storytelling is compelling, the format is primarily static interviews. It encourages reflection rather than creative world-building.

Safe

Content is free of profanity or graphic visuals, but the subject matter frequently deals with heavy 'adult' realities like addiction, suicidal ideation, and trauma. It is safe for the soul, but maybe too intense for the little ones.

Enriching

This is high-level character building. It tackles deep ethical and spiritual questions through the lens of lived experience rather than abstract lectures.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Authentic storytelling that avoids the 'perfect person' trope found in many religious spaces.
High production value makes these short films feel like high-end documentaries rather than cheap web content.
Diverse perspectives featuring everyone from A-list celebrities and pro athletes to people you’ve never heard of with incredible stories.
Short-form focus makes it easy to watch a complete, impactful story in under 10 minutes.

⚠

What to Watch For

The stories are emotionally heavy. Guests often talk about hitting rock bottom, which includes mentions of drug abuse, domestic issues, and depression.
It is YouTube-based, meaning the next video in the sidebar might be a MrBeast stunt or something far less intentional.
The format is very talky. If your kid needs explosions or fast cuts to stay engaged, they will check out in thirty seconds.

Conversation Starters

"What does it actually mean to put yourself 'second' in your daily life?"
"Which person's story felt the most like something you've gone through?"
"Why do you think it's so hard for people to be as honest as the people in the white chair?"
"Does having a lot of money or fame seem to make life's problems easier or harder based on these videos?"

Deep Dive

The White Chair Legacy

When I Am Second launched in 2009, it was a bit of a disruptor. At a time when Christian media was often synonymous with low-budget production and overly-polished 'perfect' families, this channel went the other way. They put a person in a white chair against a black background and told them to be real. It worked then, and in 2026, it still works.

The channel has evolved into more than just those iconic short films. They’ve added the Live Second Journey, which functions more like a podcast, digging deeper into the 'how-to' of faith. For a parent, this is a goldmine of character-study material. You get to see people like Anne Wilson talk about overcoming perfectionism or Thunderstorm Artis discuss processing life through music.

One of the most useful things about I Am Second is its refusal to pander. It doesn't use 'fellow kids' slang or try to be trendy. It relies on the gravity of the stories. This makes it a great bridge for parents to talk to their kids about the big, scary stuff—doubt, failure, and identity—without it feeling like a lecture. It’s essentially a library of 'it gets better' stories rooted in a specific spiritual framework.

If you're using this with your family, don't binge it. These are meant to be digested one at a time. Watch a film, talk about the 'rock bottom' moment, and then talk about the turnaround. It’s heavy, but it’s the kind of heavy that builds muscle.