Percy Jackson – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Percy Jackson

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2023

84%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Greek gods meet modern America in this faithful, heartfelt adaptation that finally does the beloved books justice.

7/10

95%

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Percy Jackson

show

TV-PG, 2023

84%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Greek gods meet modern America in this faithful, heartfelt adaptation that finally does the beloved books justice.

95%

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7/10

95%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the Percy Jackson adaptation fans have been waiting for since the movies faceplanted. The casting is spot-on, the tone balances humor and heart, and it actually respects the source material.

What makes it work for families: it takes kids seriously. The themes—feeling like you don't belong, dealing with absent parents, discovering your strengths—resonate without being preachy. The mythology is accessible but not dumbed down. And the show trusts its young audience to handle some emotional complexity.

The darker elements (abusive families, abandonment, monsters trying to kill you) are real but handled with care. It's not Bluey, but it's not trying to be. For kids ready for adventure with stakes, this delivers. And if it gets them reading the books? Even better.

Age Fit

Best for ages 9-15, though mature 8-year-olds who've read the books will likely be fine. The mythology, action, and coming-of-age themes hit hardest for tweens navigating their own identity questions. Teens may enjoy it but might find it slightly young unless they're book fans.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Strong emphasis on family bonds, friendship, and loyalty. The show portrays parent-child relationships with depth and heart, showing both the pain of absent parents and the power of parental love. Characters model teamwork and courage. Some dark themes (abusive families, abandonment) are handled with care and age-appropriate sensitivity. Humor balances the heavier moments.

Imaginative

Greek mythology reimagined in modern America is inherently creative—gods, monsters, and demigods navigating contemporary settings. The quest structure invites curiosity about ancient myths while making them accessible. The world-building is rich and invites kids to explore mythology further. Strong performances from young actors bring the fantastical elements to life.

Safe

Age-appropriate action and adventure with minimal graphic content. Violence is present but not bloody or gratuitous—monsters dissolve into dust, swordplay is fantasy-oriented. Some darker themes (parental abandonment, abusive family dynamics, death) may be intense for sensitive younger viewers but are handled without shock value. Common Sense Media rates it 9+, which aligns with the content. No sexual content, minimal language concerns.

Enriching

Gateway to Greek mythology and classical literature. Themes of identity, belonging, and finding your place resonate deeply with tweens. Characters grapple with real emotional challenges—dyslexia and ADHD are reframed as demigod strengths, which is empowering for neurodivergent kids. Encourages questions about family, loyalty, and doing the right thing even when it's hard. Entertaining enough to keep kids engaged while delivering substance.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Stellar young cast brings Percy, Annabeth, and Grover to life with genuine chemistry and humor
Reframes ADHD and dyslexia as demigod superpowers—validating and empowering for neurodivergent kids
Gateway drug to Greek mythology and a massive book series that gets reluctant readers hooked
Balances action and adventure with real emotional depth about family, belonging, and identity
Faithful to the source material in ways the movies never were—book fans can finally exhale

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What to Watch For

Themes of parental abandonment and abusive families run throughout—handled sensitively but may hit hard for some kids
Monster battles and fantasy violence are frequent but not graphic (creatures turn to dust, no blood)
Some intense moments of peril and emotional scenes that might be too much for sensitive under-9s
Cliffhanger endings will have kids begging for the next episode (or book)

Conversation Starters

"If you were a demigod, which Greek god do you think would be your parent and why?"
"Percy's ADHD helps him in battle—what are some things that make you different that could actually be strengths?"
"The gods aren't always great parents in this show. What makes someone a good parent or guardian?"
"Would you go on a dangerous quest to save someone you love? What would be the scariest part?"
"Percy has to choose between saving his mom or stopping a war. What would you do in an impossible choice like that?"

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