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The Great Escapists – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Quick facts for agents: The Great Escapists

TL;DR: MythBusters alumni try to engineer paradise on a desert island, but the scripted format sinks what could've been a fun survival show.

TV show, 2021
WISE score 55/100 (Wholesome 72, Imaginative 68, Safe 78, Enriching 58), scored by Screenwise
Verdict: Here's the thing: this should have been great. Two MythBusters alums engineering their way through island survival? Sign me up! But a 5.6 on IMDB tells you everything—the execution just doesn't deliver. The show is too scripted to feel authentic, too slow to compete with modern maker content, and too mediocre to recommend when there are so many better STEM and survival options out there. It's not unsafe or problematic, just... meh. Your tween might learn a thing or two about engineering principles, but they'll probably be bored doing it. If your kid loves engineering content, point them toward Mark Rober, Simone Giertz, or even old-school MythBusters instead. This one's skippable unless you've literally exhausted every other option on Prime Video.
Age fit: Best for 11-15 year olds with an interest in engineering or survival shows, though the execution may disappoint compared to more authentic maker content on YouTube. Older teens and adults will likely find it too staged and poorly executed to enjoy.
Typical age range: 11-16
Watch for: The 5.6 IMDB rating isn't a typo—viewers found it disappointingly scripted and fake-feeling compared to authentic maker content
Watch for: May feel dated or boring to kids used to fast-paced YouTube makers and genuine survival content
Watch for: The chemistry between hosts reportedly feels forced, which can make it cringey to watch

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The Great Escapists

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2021

55%

WISE Score

5.6

IMDb

MythBusters alumni try to engineer paradise on a desert island, but the scripted format sinks what could've been a fun survival show.

5.6/10

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The Great Escapists

show

TV-PG, 2021

55%

WISE Score

5.6

IMDb

MythBusters alumni try to engineer paradise on a desert island, but the scripted format sinks what could've been a fun survival show.

5.6

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5.6/10

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the thing: this should have been great. Two MythBusters alums engineering their way through island survival? Sign me up! But a 5.6 on IMDB tells you everything—the execution just doesn't deliver.

The show is too scripted to feel authentic, too slow to compete with modern maker content, and too mediocre to recommend when there are so many better STEM and survival options out there. It's not unsafe or problematic, just... meh. Your tween might learn a thing or two about engineering principles, but they'll probably be bored doing it.

If your kid loves engineering content, point them toward Mark Rober, Simone Giertz, or even old-school MythBusters instead. This one's skippable unless you've literally exhausted every other option on Prime Video.

Age Fit

Best for 11-15 year olds with an interest in engineering or survival shows, though the execution may disappoint compared to more authentic maker content on YouTube. Older teens and adults will likely find it too staged and poorly executed to enjoy.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Features two hosts using problem-solving and teamwork to survive on an island. The tone is generally positive and cooperative, though the scripted nature and occasional bickering between hosts can feel forced. No toxic behavior or inappropriate language based on the CSM 13+ rating, but the dynamic isn't as naturally warm as other maker-focused content.

Imaginative

The premise of engineering solutions to island survival using science is inherently creative, and viewers get to see inventive builds. However, the execution feels heavily scripted and staged rather than genuinely exploratory. It's more 'watch us perform creativity' than 'inspire your own creativity,' which limits its imaginative impact compared to authentic maker content.

Safe

CSM rates it 13+, suggesting some mild peril or intensity but nothing seriously concerning. As a survival-themed show, there may be moments of tension or risk-taking, but it's presented in an entertainment context without graphic content. The IMDB 5.6 suggests execution issues rather than safety concerns. No reports of inappropriate content.

Enriching

There's educational potential in the engineering and survival concepts, but the 5.6 IMDB rating and lack of critical acclaim suggest the execution is mediocre. The scripted nature likely undermines genuine learning moments. It's more 'edutainment lite' than truly enriching STEM content. Kids might pick up some concepts, but it's not delivering the depth or engagement of quality educational programming.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Features actual engineers (Hammond and Belleci) building real contraptions using science and problem-solving
Survival scenarios combined with maker culture could spark interest in engineering and creative thinking
Models teamwork and resourcefulness in challenging situations
Safe enough for tweens interested in STEM without graphic survival content

⚠

What to Watch For

The 5.6 IMDB rating isn't a typo—viewers found it disappointingly scripted and fake-feeling compared to authentic maker content
May feel dated or boring to kids used to fast-paced YouTube makers and genuine survival content
The chemistry between hosts reportedly feels forced, which can make it cringey to watch
Educational value is present but diluted by the reality-TV-esque production style

Conversation Starters

"If you were stuck on an island, what's the first thing you'd try to build?"
"Do you think their solutions would actually work in real life, or is this more for entertainment?"
"What engineering or science skills from this show would be useful in everyday life?"
"Would you rather watch people really figure things out or watch a scripted show where they pretend to figure things out?"

Stills

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