Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the thing: we have almost no data on this show beyond a middling 6.8 IMDb rating and the fact that it's based on those 'Who Was?' books your kid's teacher keeps recommending.

The good news? The book series is solid, educational, and has been trusted by parents and teachers for years. Netflix putting it in Kids Mode suggests it's safe and appropriate.

The less-good news? That 6.8 rating tells us this probably isn't appointment television. It's likely competent educational content that won't make history come alive so much as present it in a reasonably palatable format. Think: better than a textbook, not as engaging as a great documentary.

If your kid already loves the books or is genuinely curious about historical figures, go for it. If you're hoping to trick a reluctant learner into loving history through sheer entertainment value... maybe lower those expectations. This is the kind of show you put on when you want educational screen time without the guilt, not the show they'll be begging to binge.

Age Fit

Best for elementary and early middle schoolers (roughly 6-12) who are building foundational historical knowledge. The 'Who Was?' brand targets this age group specifically, though execution quality is uncertain given limited data.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Based on the popular 'Who Was?' educational book series, this Netflix show presents historical figures and events in a kid-friendly format. The biographical nature suggests positive role models and educational content without inappropriate themes. Kids Mode availability indicates Netflix considers it family-appropriate.

Imaginative

62

Educational biography shows can spark curiosity about history and real people, but the format is likely more informative than creative. The 'Who Was?' brand tends toward straightforward historical storytelling rather than imaginative world-building. May inspire interest in learning about diverse historical figures but doesn't actively invite creative expression.

Safe

85

Kids Mode availability on Netflix is a strong positive signal. The 'Who Was?' brand is well-established as child-safe educational content. A 6.8 IMDb rating suggests decent family reception without major concerns. Historical biography format typically avoids shocking content, though some historical events may include age-appropriate discussion of challenging topics.

Enriching

72

Educational content about real historical figures offers clear learning value and exposure to diverse people who shaped history. Can build knowledge and potentially inspire kids. However, without knowing the execution quality or how engaging the presentation is, it's unclear if it truly holds attention or just feels like homework on screen.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Based on the beloved 'Who Was?' book series that's been a school library staple for years
Introduces kids to diverse historical figures in a digestible format—think bite-sized history lessons
Educational content that counts as screen time you won't feel guilty about
Available in Kids Mode on Netflix, so the platform vouches for it being age-appropriate

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What to Watch For

The 6.8 IMDb rating isn't exactly screaming 'must-watch'—this might be more educational than entertaining
Some historical topics may include age-appropriate discussion of challenging events (wars, discrimination, etc.)
Could feel like homework disguised as TV for kids who aren't already history-curious

Conversation Starters

"Which person from the show would you most want to meet if you had a time machine?"
"What do you think was the coolest thing [historical figure] did?"
"If someone made a 'Who Was?' episode about you in 100 years, what would you want it to say?"

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The Who Was? Show