The Wild Kratts – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Wild Kratts

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2010

87%

WISE Score

Two zoologist brothers transform into animals and teach real science—it's like Magic School Bus meets National Geographic, and kids actually learn.

The Wild Kratts

show

TV-Y, 2010

87%

WISE Score

Two zoologist brothers transform into animals and teach real science—it's like Magic School Bus meets National Geographic, and kids actually learn.

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Screenwise Verdict

Wild Kratts is that rare kids' show that parents genuinely don't mind—and often enjoy. The Kratt brothers (yes, the same guys from Zoboomafoo) bring real credentials and palpable excitement to every episode, and the science is legit. Kids come away knowing about fennec fox adaptations, how octopuses camouflage, and why bats echolocate.

The animation isn't going to win awards, and the villains are cartoonishly one-note, but that's not the point. This show does what it sets out to do: make biology thrilling. Parents report kids begging to go on nature hikes, checking out animal books from the library, and genuinely retaining information.

If your kid is in that sweet spot where they're obsessed with animals and you're tired of low-quality YouTube animal content, this is your answer. It's been running since 2011 for a reason—it works.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 5-10 range, especially kids in their animal-obsessed phase. Younger than 5 might find villain scenes mildly scary; older than 10 will likely age out unless they're deep into biology or have younger siblings.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models curiosity, teamwork, and respect for nature throughout. The Kratt brothers are enthusiastic, kind, and collaborative. Villains provide conflict but it's never mean-spirited—they're more bumbling than threatening. Pacing is energetic but not chaotic, and the tone stays positive and age-appropriate. The show balances adventure with genuine warmth.

Imaginative

The 'Creature Power Suits' concept—where the brothers transform to take on animal abilities—is genuinely creative and invites kids to think about adaptation and biology in playful ways. Episodes explore diverse habitats globally, from rainforests to oceans. The blend of animation and live-action segments sparks curiosity about the natural world and encourages imaginative play.

Safe

Very few safety concerns. Villains occasionally steal animals or create mild peril, and characters get into 'life-threatening' situations that are always resolved safely. Gourmand (a chef villain who wants to cook endangered animals) might be slightly unsettling for very sensitive kids, but the show never depicts actual harm. No violence, scary imagery, or inappropriate content. Common Sense Media rates it for age 6, which tracks. Available in PBS Kids mode with no comments or social features.

Enriching

This is where Wild Kratts shines. Each episode delivers solid science education about animal behavior, habitats, and adaptations in digestible chunks. The Kratt brothers are actual zoologists, and it shows—facts are accurate and presented with infectious enthusiasm. Kids learn vocabulary, biology concepts, and environmental stewardship without it feeling preachy. Parent reviews consistently praise how much their kids retain and how it sparks real-world interest in nature.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely educational: kids absorb real animal facts, habitats, and biology concepts while being entertained
The Kratt brothers are actual zoologists with infectious enthusiasm—their passion for animals is authentic and contagious
Creature Power Suits are a clever hook that makes learning about adaptation and animal abilities feel like a superpower fantasy
Episodes span global ecosystems, exposing kids to biodiversity they'd never encounter otherwise
Parents consistently report their kids becoming obsessed with nature, asking to visit zoos, and retaining what they learn

⚠

What to Watch For

Villains create mild peril (stealing animals, chase scenes)—Gourmand the chef wants to cook endangered species, which could upset very sensitive younger kids
The animation style is a bit dated (2011 PBS budget), but kids don't seem to care
Some episodes have characters in legitimately dangerous situations (underwater, cliffs, predators), though it's always resolved safely

Conversation Starters

"If you could have any Creature Power Suit, which animal would you pick and why?"
"What's the coolest animal fact you learned today? Should we look up more about it?"
"Why do you think Gourmand is wrong about wanting to cook endangered animals? What makes an animal endangered?"
"Which habitat would you most want to visit—the rainforest, ocean, desert, or Arctic?"

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