The Kominsky Method – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Kominsky Method

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2018

45%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Two aging actors navigate mortality, friendship, and erectile dysfunction—basically Golden Girls but with more therapy and less cheesecake.

93%

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The Kominsky Method

show

TV-MA, 2018

45%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Two aging actors navigate mortality, friendship, and erectile dysfunction—basically Golden Girls but with more therapy and less cheesecake.

93%

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93%

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the deal: The Kominsky Method is a well-crafted, thoughtful show about aging that adults will genuinely appreciate. It's got heart, humor, and two legendary actors doing excellent work.

But let's be clear—this isn't for kids, and it's barely for teens. The WISE score is low not because it's bad (it's actually quite good), but because it's completely inappropriate for young viewers and honestly too slow-paced for most teens to engage with.

If you're a parent looking for something to watch after the kids are in bed, this could be great. It's got substance, it'll make you laugh and maybe cry, and it tackles mortality with more grace than most shows. But if you're looking for family viewing or even something for your high schooler, keep scrolling.

Age Fit

This is really for adults and maybe mature 17-18 year olds. Despite the 15+ CSM rating, the themes, pacing, and humor skew heavily toward middle-aged and older viewers who can relate to the characters' concerns. Most teens would find it slow and boring even if they could handle the content.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A heartfelt show about aging, friendship, and loss that models genuine emotional vulnerability and male friendship in refreshing ways. The tone is warm and often tender, though the humor can be quite crude and sexual references are frequent. Pacing is deliberate and character-driven rather than chaotic.

Imaginative

While well-crafted with strong performances, this is a fairly conventional dramedy about aging actors in Hollywood. It doesn't break new ground narratively or aesthetically, and there's little that invites creative thinking or exploration beyond empathy for the characters' situations.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates this 15+ for good reason. Frequent sexual references, mature themes about death and illness, language, some nudity, and adult situations throughout. This is decidedly NOT family viewing—parents would be uncomfortable if a young child walked in during most episodes.

Enriching

Genuinely thoughtful exploration of aging, mortality, friendship, and finding meaning in later life. The show offers real insight into grief, vulnerability, and male emotional connection that's rare on TV. Strong performances from Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin elevate material that could be maudlin into something genuinely moving.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Rare, honest portrayal of male friendship and emotional vulnerability that older teens (17+) and adults will find refreshing
Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin deliver performances that make contemplating aging and mortality genuinely moving rather than depressing
Smart, witty writing that doesn't shy away from uncomfortable truths about getting older
Strong critical reception (93% RT critics, 8.2 IMDb) suggests quality storytelling

⚠

What to Watch For

Frequent sexual references, crude humor, and mature themes—this is absolutely not family viewing
Deals heavily with death, illness, and aging—could be emotionally heavy for teens not ready for those conversations
Slow, dialogue-driven pacing means younger viewers will likely find it boring
Language and some nudity throughout

Conversation Starters

"What do you think makes a good friendship? How do Sandy and Norman support each other?"
"The show talks a lot about getting older. What are you most curious or worried about when you think about aging?"
"How do the characters handle loss and grief? What seems healthy or unhealthy about their approaches?"

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