Kenan – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Kenan

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2021

48%

WISE Score

Kenan Thompson's network sitcom about single dad life that critics and audiences agree is... fine, I guess?

Kenan

show

TV-PG, 2021

48%

WISE Score

Kenan Thompson's network sitcom about single dad life that critics and audiences agree is... fine, I guess?

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, Kenan Thompson is a national treasure, but this show is peak 'we need content for our network schedule' television. A 5.9 on IMDb and 64 on Metacritic means critics were lukewarm and audiences were even less impressed.

The premise—widowed dad juggling morning show hosting and raising two daughters—has potential for heart and humor, but the execution is apparently forgettable at best. It's the kind of show that airs, exists, and then vanishes without making much of an impression on anyone.

Is it safe for families? Sure. Will your kids learn anything? Maybe a little about family support systems. Will anyone remember watching it a week later? Doubtful. There are dozens of better family sitcoms out there with actual rewatchability and heart. This one's a skip unless you're really desperate for something inoffensive to have on in the background.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media pegs this at 10+, which feels right for a network sitcom with some mature themes around loss and family stress. That said, the mediocre ratings suggest even 10-year-olds might find better ways to spend 22 minutes.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A family sitcom centered on a widowed father raising two daughters with support from extended family. Models resilience and family bonds, though the 'grifter father-in-law' dynamic may normalize some questionable behavior. Common Sense Media rates it for age 10, suggesting generally appropriate content with typical sitcom family dynamics.

Imaginative

Standard multi-camera sitcom format following well-worn tropes of the 'single parent juggling work and family' genre. No particular creative innovation or world-building that would inspire curiosity or creative thinking. It's formulaic network television that doesn't push boundaries or invite exploration.

Safe

Network sitcom with a TV-appropriate premise and Common Sense Media age rating of 10. Kids mode is available on the platform. Typical sitcom content without major trigger warnings, though some themes around grief/loss of a parent could be sensitive for certain families. No indication of inappropriate content for the target demographic.

Enriching

Addresses themes of grief, single parenting, and family support systems, which could provide some emotional learning opportunities. However, with a 5.9 IMDb rating and 64 Metacritic score, it's clearly not delivering particularly insightful or meaningful content. It's entertainment-light with minimal cognitive or ethical depth.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Kenan Thompson is a beloved SNL veteran with decades of comedy experience
Addresses real family dynamics like grief, single parenting, and extended family support
Generally safe, wholesome content appropriate for family co-viewing
Could normalize different family structures for kids

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What to Watch For

The 5.9 IMDb rating tells you everything—this is aggressively mediocre television
Grief and loss of a parent is central to the premise, which may hit hard for some families
The 'grifter father-in-law' character could model questionable behavior played for laughs
Only available on fuboTV, which limits accessibility

Conversation Starters

"How do you think Kenan's family helps him when things get tough?"
"What would be the hardest part about having a really busy job and taking care of kids?"
"Do you think it's okay when the grandpa does sneaky things if he's trying to help?"

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