The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2010

78%

WISE Score

Dr. Seuss meets Bill Nye in this preschool science show that's educational but showing its age—like a substitute teacher with good intentions.

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!

show

TV-Y, 2010

78%

WISE Score

Dr. Seuss meets Bill Nye in this preschool science show that's educational but showing its age—like a substitute teacher with good intentions.

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is perfectly fine PBS Kids content that will teach your preschooler about coral reefs and won't rot their brain. It's safe, educational, and features a character kids recognize.

But let's be real: it's 15 years old and it shows. The animation is flat, the pacing is slow by 2025 standards, and the educational approach is pretty paint-by-numbers. If your kid is into it, great—they'll learn something. But if they're not immediately hooked, there are newer science shows (Wild Kratts, Octonauts, even newer seasons of Curious George) that do the same job with more polish and entertainment value.

The 6.5 IMDb rating tells the story: it's serviceable educational content, not must-watch TV. Think of it as the reliable Toyota Camry of preschool science shows—it'll get you where you need to go, but nobody's excited about the ride.

Age Fit

Squarely aimed at 3-6 year olds who are ready for basic science concepts but still need simple narratives and familiar characters. By age 7, most kids will have moved on to more sophisticated educational content or pure entertainment.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Based on Dr. Seuss's beloved character, this PBS Kids show models curiosity, friendship, and cooperation. Sally and Nick work together with the Cat to explore scientific concepts. The tone is gentle, encouraging, and age-appropriate for preschoolers. Common Sense Media rates it for age 3+, indicating solid developmental appropriateness. No concerning behavioral modeling or chaotic pacing typical of some modern kids' content.

Imaginative

The show takes kids on fantastical adventures to explore real science concepts—from coral reefs to rainforests to the Arctic. The 'Thinga-ma-jigger' transports them to different worlds, blending Seussian whimsy with educational content. It encourages curiosity about the natural world and scientific thinking. While it's more guided learning than open-ended creative play, it does spark wonder and questions about how things work.

Safe

This is PBS Kids content designed for preschoolers—no violence, scary content, inappropriate themes, or surprise elements. Kids mode is available on streaming platforms. The educational focus and gentle presentation make it extremely safe for its target audience. The only minor consideration is that some nature content (predator-prey relationships) might be presented, but handled age-appropriately.

Enriching

Explicitly educational, teaching science concepts (habitats, animal behavior, ecosystems, physics basics) through story-driven adventures. Builds scientific vocabulary and observation skills. The show encourages asking questions and seeking answers—core scientific thinking. However, it's a 2010 show with a fairly straightforward educational format that lacks the sophisticated storytelling of newer educational content like Wild Kratts or Octonauts.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Introduces real science concepts (habitats, ecosystems, animal adaptations) in a story format that's accessible for 3-5 year olds
Models curiosity, question-asking, and scientific observation—the foundation of STEM thinking
Safe, gentle PBS Kids content with familiar Dr. Seuss characters that parents trust
Available on multiple streaming platforms including free options like Hoopla
Encourages kids to notice and wonder about the natural world around them

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What to Watch For

The 2010 animation and pacing feel noticeably dated—kids used to Bluey or modern Pixar might find it slow
Educational content is pretty on-the-nose and didactic compared to shows that weave learning more subtly into storytelling
The Cat's voice and energy might be a bit much for some kids (or parents after the 10th episode)
IMDb rating of 6.5 suggests even fans find it just okay—it's functional educational content, not appointment viewing

Conversation Starters

"What did you learn about [animals/habitats] today? Have you seen anything like that in our neighborhood?"
"If you could go anywhere in the Thinga-ma-jigger, where would you want to explore?"
"Why do you think that animal has [specific adaptation]? What does it help them do?"
"What's one question you have about nature that we could try to find the answer to?"

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