If I Were an Animal – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

If I Were an Animal

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2018

82%

WISE Score

Virtual zoo documentary that asks 'what if you were a baby gorilla or cheetah?' as animals grow up on screen.

If I Were an Animal

show

2018

82%

WISE Score

Virtual zoo documentary that asks 'what if you were a baby gorilla or cheetah?' as animals grow up on screen.

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Screenwise Verdict

This is solid, straightforward animal documentary content—the kind of thing you can put on without worry while making dinner. It's educational, genuinely interesting for the target age, and avoids the hyperactive pacing of some kids' nature shows.

The 'if I were an animal' framing adds a nice perspective-taking element beyond just watching cute critters. One parent called out 'offensive narration' but didn't elaborate, so you might want to preview an episode first to see if it rubs you the wrong way.

Not groundbreaking, but a reliable choice for young animal lovers. Think Planet Earth for the preschool set—minus the dramatic Hans Zimmer score and surprise leopard attacks.

Age Fit

Best for preschool through early elementary (ages 3-8) who are fascinated by animals and nature. The documentary format and educational focus may lose older kids unless they're particularly into wildlife.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Family-friendly reality series focused on animals growing into adulthood. Models natural development and exploration across species from gorillas to hamsters. Some references to predator/prey dynamics (eating other animals) but handled age-appropriately. One parent review mentions 'offensive narration' but without specifics, this appears to be an outlier concern.

Imaginative

Documentary format showing diverse animal species developing and exploring their environments. Invites curiosity about animal behavior and biology, though the 'what if you were this animal' framing adds some creative perspective-taking. Limited in interactivity or creative expression since it's observational documentary content.

Safe

Common Sense Media confirms family-friendly content with kids mode available. Natural predator/prey references are the extent of potentially concerning content. No violence, mature themes, or unexpected disturbing content. Documentary format means predictable, educational viewing without surprises.

Enriching

Educational documentary exploring animal development across multiple species. Builds knowledge about biology, animal behavior, and natural world. 'Fun and informative like you're at a virtual zoo' per parent reviews. Solid learning value about how different animals grow, explore, and develop, though not deeply transformative content.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Showcases diverse animal species from gorillas and cheetahs to hamsters and dogs as they develop
Educational without being preachy—like a virtual zoo visit from your couch
Family-friendly reality format that's predictable and safe for young viewers
Builds empathy and curiosity about how different animals experience the world

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What to Watch For

Natural references to predator/prey dynamics (animals eating other animals) handled matter-of-factly
One parent review flagged 'offensive narration' without specifics—might be worth previewing first
Documentary pacing may not hold attention for kids who need faster-moving content

Conversation Starters

"If you could be any of these baby animals, which one would you pick and why?"
"What surprised you most about how [animal] grows up differently than humans?"
"Which animal do you think has the hardest time as a baby? The easiest?"
"How do you think being a hamster would feel different from being a gorilla?"

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