Stargirl – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Stargirl

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2020

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Teen girl finds cosmic staff, becomes superhero, assembles new Justice Society—solid DC fun if your kid's into capes and cosmic energy blasts.

7.1/10

94%

74%

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Stargirl

show

TV-14, 2020

68%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Teen girl finds cosmic staff, becomes superhero, assembles new Justice Society—solid DC fun if your kid's into capes and cosmic energy blasts.

7.1

94%

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7.1/10

94%

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Screenwise Verdict

Stargirl is one of the better teen superhero shows out there—it's got heart, a likable lead, and doesn't drown in the grimdark nonsense that plagues a lot of DC content. The 94% critic score isn't lying; it's well-made for what it is.

That said, it's still very much a CW-style superhero show, which means you're getting teen drama mixed with cosmic staffs and evil villains. If your kid loves Marvel movies and wants more superhero content, this is a solid pick. If they're not into the genre, this won't convert them.

The violence is standard superhero fare—lots of action, but nothing that'll give you nightmares. The themes of legacy, loss, and finding your place are genuinely good, even if the show doesn't always dig as deep as it could. It's entertaining, positive, and has a strong female lead without being preachy about it.

Bottom line: If you've got a 13-16 year old who's into superheroes, queue it up. If not, there are probably better uses of your family's screen time.

Age Fit

Best for teens 13-17 who enjoy superhero content. The 14+ rating is appropriate—there's enough action violence and intense moments that younger kids might find it scary, but it's tame compared to Marvel movies. Older teens and adults who aren't superhero fans will likely find it too formulaic.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

DC's Stargirl centers on a teen superhero who models courage, teamwork, and legacy. The show emphasizes found family, mentorship, and standing up for what's right. While there's superhero violence, the tone is generally optimistic and positive, focusing on a young hero learning responsibility. The emotional content is age-appropriate for teens, though some family drama and loss themes are present.

Imaginative

The show reimagines classic DC heroes through a fresh teen lens, blending superhero mythology with high school drama. Stargirl wields a cosmic staff and assembles a new generation of the Justice Society of America. The visual effects and superhero lore invite curiosity about heroism and legacy, though it follows fairly standard CW-style superhero formula without breaking major new ground.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 14+, indicating moderate superhero violence and some intense scenes. As a DC superhero show, expect action sequences with punching, energy blasts, and peril, but nothing graphic or gory. Some villains can be menacing, and there are themes of parental death and loss. No sexual content or nudity typical of teen superhero fare. The violence is comic-book style rather than realistic, making it predictable within the genre.

Enriching

The show explores themes of legacy, responsibility, and finding your place in the world. It touches on grief, blended families, and standing up to bullies. The mentorship dynamic and team-building offer positive messages about collaboration. However, it's primarily entertainment-focused superhero action rather than deeply thought-provoking content. Strong female lead provides good representation, but the show doesn't push boundaries intellectually.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Strong female lead who's genuinely likable and relatable, not just 'girl power' pandering
Explores legacy and mentorship in meaningful ways—what does it mean to carry on someone else's heroic tradition?
Less dark and brooding than most DC content; this actually has hope and optimism baked in
Great gateway into DC Comics lore for teens who aren't already comic nerds
Themes of blended families, grief, and finding your identity resonate beyond the superhero stuff

⚠

What to Watch For

Superhero violence throughout—punching, energy weapons, people thrown through walls (comic-book style, not graphic)
Some villains are genuinely menacing and a few scenes might be intense for younger/sensitive viewers
Parental death is a core backstory element that comes up repeatedly
It's a CW-style show, so expect some melodrama and teen relationship drama mixed with the hero stuff

Conversation Starters

"If you could inherit a superhero's powers and legacy, whose would you want and why?"
"Courtney has to balance school, friends, and literally saving the world—how do you think about balancing your own responsibilities?"
"The show is all about legacy and living up to what came before. Do you ever feel pressure to live up to expectations?"
"What makes someone a hero? Is it the powers or something else?"

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