Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the truth: Sabrina, the Teenage Witch is perfectly safe, reasonably wholesome, and has an imaginative premise that still works on paper. The problem? It's 1996 calling, and modern kids are not picking up.

The laugh track alone will make most kids under 12 ask 'why are people laughing when nothing funny happened?' The pacing is glacial compared to contemporary shows, the special effects are bargain-basement even for their time, and the humor style is so distinctly late-90s sitcom that it might as well be a time capsule.

That said, if you have a 7-10 year old who genuinely doesn't mind older shows (or you're introducing it with heavy nostalgia framing), the core content is solid. Sabrina is a likable protagonist, the magical mishaps are creative enough, and the lessons about responsibility and consequences are there, even if delivered with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.

The real question: with so many modern magical shows available (The Owl House, Kipo, She-Ra), why would you choose this unless you're specifically seeking out retro content? It's not unwatchable, but it requires a kid who's either very tolerant of dated media or specifically interested in 'what TV used to be like.' For most families in 2025, this is a pass.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7-12 who can appreciate the wholesome premise and don't mind seriously dated production. Older kids and teens will likely find it too corny and slow-paced. Adults with nostalgia might enjoy it, but it's not appointment viewing for grown-ups like some modern family shows.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Models positive family relationships with Sabrina's aunts serving as caring guardians. The show emphasizes learning from mistakes and dealing with typical teenage challenges (school, friends, dating) through a magical lens. However, some episodes feature mild deception and scheming that's played for laughs. The tone is generally upbeat and kind-hearted, though the laugh-track sitcom format can feel a bit chaotic by modern standards.

Imaginative

78

The core premise—a teenage witch navigating normal life with magical powers—offers strong imaginative appeal. Episodes feature creative magical scenarios, spells gone wrong, and visits to the 'Other Realm.' The show encourages thinking about consequences and problem-solving, albeit often through fantastical means. Salem the talking cat adds comedic creativity. However, it's more about watching magical hijinks than inviting active creative participation.

Safe

82

Common Sense Media rates it for age 8+, and content is genuinely mild—no violence, gore, sexual content, or disturbing themes. Magic is presented as whimsical rather than dark. The biggest 'risks' are mild romantic situations (teenage crushes, dating) and occasional magical mishaps that create temporary problems but are always resolved. Some episodes feature minor scary moments (witches, magical creatures) but nothing genuinely frightening. Very predictable, family-friendly sitcom format means no surprise content.

Enriching

58

Episodes typically center on learning life lessons—responsibility, honesty, friendship, consequences of shortcuts—but in a very formulaic sitcom way. The magical premise occasionally sparks interesting 'what if' scenarios about power and responsibility. However, the show is primarily entertainment-focused with fairly shallow character development and predictable resolutions. Limited cognitive challenge or deep emotional growth opportunities. The laugh-track format and simplistic plots don't invite much reflection.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely safe, wholesome content with positive female role models and family relationships
The magical premise still holds imaginative appeal—who doesn't want to point and make things happen?
Melissa Joan Hart brings charm and likability to Sabrina, making her relatable despite the fantasy element
Episodes tackle typical teen issues (fitting in, crushes, school stress) through a creative magical lens
Salem the cat delivers some legitimately funny one-liners that hold up

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What to Watch For

This is PEAK late-90s sitcom—laugh track, corny jokes, dated fashion, and production values that scream 'before streaming existed'
Modern kids may find the pacing slow and the humor style totally foreign; it's not fast-paced or visually dynamic like contemporary shows
Some episodes feature Sabrina using magic to take shortcuts or manipulate situations, though she usually learns her lesson
The show occasionally touches on dating and teenage romance (nothing inappropriate, just crushes and awkward moments)

Conversation Starters

"If you had magic powers like Sabrina, what's the first thing you'd do? Would you use them to help people or make your life easier?"
"Why do you think Sabrina's aunts make her follow so many rules about magic? What would happen if there were no rules?"
"Sabrina often gets in trouble for using magic to solve problems. Can you think of times when taking a shortcut made things worse?"
"How is Sabrina's life similar to yours, even though she has magic? What problems does she face that you can relate to?"

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