Magic School Bus Rides Again – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Magic School Bus Rides Again

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2017

84%

WISE Score

6.3

IMDb

Ms. Frizzle's sister shrinks, flies, and dives through science lessons—it's educational TV that kids actually want to watch.

6.3/10

6.8

→

Magic School Bus Rides Again

show

TV-Y, 2017

84%

WISE Score

6.3

IMDb

Ms. Frizzle's sister shrinks, flies, and dives through science lessons—it's educational TV that kids actually want to watch.

6.3

6.8

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6.3/10

6.8

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the show you put on when you want your kid to actually learn something but also need 22 minutes of peace. It's not going to win awards for groundbreaking storytelling, but it does exactly what it sets out to do: make science exciting and accessible.

The reboot successfully updates the animation and pacing for modern kids without losing the original's spirit of curiosity and adventure. Yes, it's educational in an obvious way, but it's also genuinely entertaining—kids want to go on these adventures.

The WISE score reflects strong performance across all categories with a slight ding for being somewhat formulaic. But honestly? That predictability is a feature for parents. You know exactly what you're getting: quality STEM content with zero concerning elements. It's the reliable minivan of kids' programming—not flashy, but it gets the job done safely and effectively.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 4-10, the sweet spot where science curiosity is high and the slightly didactic format doesn't feel patronizing yet. Younger elementary kids will be most engaged; by middle school, most kids will have aged out.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Reboot of the beloved educational series maintains the original's positive tone with Ms. Frizzle's sister modeling enthusiasm, curiosity, and teamwork. The adventure-comedy format keeps pacing energetic without being chaotic, and the classroom setting naturally emphasizes cooperation and problem-solving. No concerning behavioral models or mean-spirited content.

Imaginative

Core premise—shrinking down to explore the human body, traveling through space, diving into ecosystems—inherently sparks curiosity and wonder about science. The 'what if we could...' format invites kids to think creatively about scientific concepts. Animation allows for visual creativity that live-action couldn't achieve. Follows the original's tradition of making abstract concepts tangible and explorable.

Safe

Designed for young children with kids mode available on streaming platforms. No violence, scary content, or inappropriate material. The 'wild adventures' are science-based fantastical scenarios (shrinking, flying through space) without genuine peril or frightening elements. No toxic behavior, bullying, or concerning interpersonal dynamics. Extremely predictable and parent-approved content.

Enriching

Explicitly educational with each episode built around science concepts (biology, physics, earth science, etc.). Makes STEM topics accessible and engaging for elementary-aged kids. The adventure format transforms learning into entertainment, though the 'lesson of the week' structure can feel a bit formulaic. TMDB rating of 6.8/10 suggests it's solid but not groundbreaking. Builds science vocabulary and encourages scientific thinking.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Makes STEM concepts genuinely fun and accessible without feeling like homework
Models curiosity, scientific thinking, and problem-solving in every episode
Safe, predictable content means you can confidently put it on while making dinner
Builds science vocabulary naturally through adventure context
Reboot updates animation and pacing for modern kids while keeping the original's heart

⚠

What to Watch For

Episodic 'lesson of the week' format can feel repetitive after binge-watching
Some kids find the educational bent a bit on-the-nose (it's not trying to hide that it's teaching)
Younger siblings of original MSB fans might notice it's not quite the same magic—nostalgia is powerful
Very little narrative depth or character development beyond the science adventures

Conversation Starters

"If you could shrink down like the class, where would you want to explore first?"
"What was the coolest science thing you learned in that episode?"
"Do you think Ms. Frizzle's adventures could really happen with future technology?"
"Which kid in the class are you most like when learning new things?"
"What would you put on the Magic School Bus if you were the teacher?"

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