Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

This is solid, serviceable kids' action TV—nothing revolutionary, but nothing offensive either. The premise of splitting up the turtles to explore individual growth is a decent twist on the formula, and the themes around independence and self-discovery are genuinely useful for kids in the target age range.

The Metacritic 80 suggests it's well-executed for what it is, but the IMDb 6.9 tells the real story: it's fine. Not amazing, not terrible, just fine. If your kid is into TMNT or action-adventure shows, this will absolutely hit the spot. If they're not already fans, this probably won't convert them.

The cartoon violence is standard TMNT fare—lots of martial arts, some peril, but nothing graphic or traumatic. It's the kind of show you can put on and feel confident your kid isn't going to see anything shocking, which is worth something in 2024.

Bottom line: This is a perfectly acceptable way for your 7-10 year old to spend 30 minutes. They'll be entertained, they might pick up some lessons about independence, and you won't have to worry about what they're watching. But don't expect it to become anyone's favorite show of all time.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7-12, which tracks with Common Sense Media's age 7 rating. The action and themes of independence resonate with elementary schoolers who are starting to develop their own identities. Teens will likely find it too juvenile unless they're hardcore TMNT fans.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

The premise of turtles learning independence while discovering themselves without their brothers is emotionally healthy and models personal growth. TMNT franchise generally emphasizes teamwork, loyalty, and problem-solving. However, the show does involve cartoon violence (it's ninja turtles fighting villains), which is par for the course but keeps it from being purely wholesome. The tone is typically upbeat and action-oriented without being overly chaotic.

Imaginative

68

The concept of separating the brothers to explore individual identities adds a fresh twist to the long-running TMNT formula. The franchise has always encouraged imaginative play with its mix of martial arts, mutants, and urban adventure. However, this is still a franchise reboot rather than truly original content, and without more specific information about how creative or exploratory the storytelling is, it's hard to score higher. The show invites kids to think about heroism and problem-solving but isn't breaking new ground.

Safe

75

Common Sense Media rates this at age 7, which aligns with typical TMNT content—cartoon action violence, some mild peril, but nothing graphic or traumatic. Kids mode is available on platforms. The franchise is known for being predictably safe: no gore, no sexual content, no surprise trauma. The violence is stylized martial arts combat against clearly villainous characters. The Metacritic score of 80 suggests quality control. However, there is action violence throughout, which is expected but does lower the safety score slightly for younger viewers.

Enriching

65

The core premise—each turtle learning who they are without their brothers—offers solid character development themes around independence, identity, and self-reliance. TMNT has always included lessons about teamwork, responsibility, and doing the right thing. The IMDb 6.9 and Metacritic 80 suggest decent quality storytelling. However, this is primarily an action-adventure show designed for entertainment rather than deep educational or emotional growth. It's enriching in the way good kids' action shows can be—modeling heroism and problem-solving—but it's not going to spark profound conversations.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Fresh take on the TMNT formula by separating the brothers and exploring individual character development
Themes of independence, self-discovery, and learning to stand on your own are developmentally appropriate for elementary-aged kids
Metacritic score of 80 suggests quality storytelling and production value
Available on multiple streaming platforms with kids mode options
Classic TMNT mix of action, humor, and heroism that's been entertaining kids for decades

⚠

What to Watch For

Cartoon action violence throughout—lots of martial arts combat and fighting villains (typical TMNT stuff)
Some mild peril and tense moments as the turtles face threats without their brothers
IMDb rating of 6.9 suggests it's decent but not spectacular—this isn't prestige TV for kids

Conversation Starters

"If you had to do something hard without your siblings or friends, what would be the scariest part?"
"Which turtle do you think you're most like, and why?"
"The turtles are learning who they are on their own—what's something you're good at that's just yours?"
"How do you think the turtles feel being separated from their brothers? Would you want to try something alone or with help?"

Deep Dive

The "Solo" Gimmick Actually Works

Most Ninja Turtles stories lean hard on the power of the team. It’s a quartet or nothing. This series takes a different swing by forcing the brothers apart, and honestly, it’s the best thing about the show. For a kid who is starting to navigate their own identity—maybe they’re the "math one" or the "athletic one" in their friend group—seeing Leo or Donnie have to solve a problem without their usual safety net is a great hook.

It moves the show away from being just another mindless brawler and into something that feels more like a collection of short stories. Each turtle has to figure out who they are when they aren't just one-fourth of a unit. If your kid is currently obsessed with the recent film that kicked off this specific art style and vibe, they’ll find this to be a comfortable, if slightly lower-stakes, continuation.

High Floor, Low Ceiling

The gap between the Metacritic 80 and the IMDb 6.9 is telling. Critics love the execution—the animation is vibrant and the writing is tight—but some long-time fans find it a bit light. It doesn't have the dark, gritty edge of some older iterations, and it isn't trying to be a sprawling epic.

This is "Saturday morning" energy through and through. It’s the TV equivalent of a reliable weeknight taco kit. It isn’t going to change your life, but it’s exactly what you expect, and it’s consistently competent. If you’re looking for a show that keeps them occupied while you’re making dinner, this is a safe bet that won’t rot their brain or leave them with nightmares.

Where to Watch and How to Lock it Down

Because this show is scattered across so many platforms—Netflix, Paramount+, and various "On Demand" services—it’s easy to find but can be a pain to manage. If you're watching on Paramount+, be aware that their interface can be a bit clunky compared to Netflix.

We’ve found that the Paramount Plus parental controls are essential here, especially if you want to keep them from drifting from the Turtles over to the more mature "Yellowstone" universe content on the same app. If you’re trying to decide which service to stick with for the long haul, our Paramount Plus streaming guide breaks down the value of the Nickelodeon vault versus other platforms.

If Your Kid Liked...

If your household has already burned through the recent action-comedy reboots of other 80s and 90s properties, this will fit right in. It’s less "prestige TV" and more of a bridge between the big theatrical releases.

If they loved the latest TMNT movie: This is a mandatory watch. It carries that same energy and visual flair.
If they’re into "monster of the week" formats: They’ll dig the new threats the turtles face while solo.
If they want deep lore and gritty stakes: They might find this a bit too playful.

It’s a show about growing up, just with more ninjutsu and pizza. It’s a solid "B" that knows exactly what it wants to be.

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles