Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be real: Rocket Power is a time capsule from 1999 that hasn't aged gracefully. If you grew up with it, you might have fond memories of Otto, Reggie, Twister, and Sam shredding at the beach. But showing it to kids in 2025? That's a harder sell.

The animation style feels clunky by modern standards, the slang is painfully dated ('shoobies' anyone?), and the episodic plots are predictable. The show's main value proposition—getting kids excited about extreme sports—still works in theory, but the execution feels like a relic. The IMDb score of 6.9 tells the story: it's fine, not great.

There's nothing actively harmful here, and it does promote physical activity and friendship. But when you're competing with modern animated shows that offer better animation, deeper stories, and more sophisticated humor, Rocket Power struggles to justify the watch time. If your kid is really into skateboarding or surfing, maybe? Otherwise, this is more 'parents' nostalgia pick' than 'kids will actually enjoy this.'

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-10 who are into sports and action. Older kids will likely find it dated and uninteresting, while younger kids might be fine with it but won't get much out of it. This is firmly in 'elementary school only' territory.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

68

Shows friendship and teamwork among four kids who share a passion for extreme sports. Generally positive peer relationships and cooperative problem-solving. However, the show has some competitive edge and occasional bratty behavior (particularly from Reggie and Otto) that isn't always fully resolved. The pacing is energetic but not chaotic. Models active lifestyles and pursuing passions, though character development is somewhat surface-level.

Imaginative

55

The extreme sports setting (surfing, skateboarding, roller hockey, snowboarding) offers some visual creativity and showcases different athletic subcultures. However, the show follows fairly predictable episodic plots and doesn't particularly invite creative thinking or exploration beyond 'kids doing cool sports.' It's more about watching action than inspiring imagination or building anything. The adventures are formulaic rather than genuinely inventive.

Safe

78

Common Sense Media rates it for age 7, and there's no significant violence, scary content, or inappropriate material. The 'extreme sports' element shows kids doing potentially dangerous activities, but it's cartoonish and not graphic. No surprise death, gore, or inappropriate content. The main safety consideration is that kids might be inspired to attempt stunts without proper safety gear, though the show does generally show characters wearing helmets. Overall quite safe for the target demographic.

Enriching

52

Promotes physical activity and pursuing athletic interests, which has real value. Shows diverse friend groups and some cultural elements (Twister's Hawaiian heritage, Tito's surf shop wisdom). However, the show is pretty light on meaningful life lessons or deeper character growth. The entertainment value is there for sports-loving kids, but cognitive or ethical development is minimal. Episodes tend to resolve quickly without much reflection. IMDb rating of 6.9 suggests it's decent entertainment but not exceptional.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Celebrates physical activity and outdoor sports in a way that could inspire active play
Shows a tight-knit friend group that sticks together through competitions and challenges
Features some cultural diversity with characters from different backgrounds
Available on multiple streaming platforms if you're feeling nostalgic
Safe, predictable content that won't surprise you with anything inappropriate

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What to Watch For

The animation style and cultural references are aggressively 1999—modern kids may find it visually unappealing or just plain weird
Characters can be competitive to the point of being bratty, especially Otto and Reggie
Kids might want to try extreme sports stunts they see (though honestly, getting kids off screens and onto boards isn't the worst outcome)
The show hasn't aged well compared to other Nickelodeon classics—it's more 'Rocket Power' than 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' in terms of rewatchability

Conversation Starters

"What sports or activities do you think look fun? Want to try any of them?"
"Do you think Otto and Reggie are good friends to each other, or do they compete too much?"
"Why do you think Tito (the dad) lets the kids do such risky sports? What rules would you have?"
"The kids in this show are always outside—what would you rather do, play outside or watch more TV?"

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