They Call Me Magic – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

They Call Me Magic

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2022

76%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Magic Johnson's life story: basketball legend, AIDS activist, business mogul—inspiring but requires mature conversations.

69%

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They Call Me Magic

show

TV-MA, 2022

76%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Magic Johnson's life story: basketball legend, AIDS activist, business mogul—inspiring but requires mature conversations.

69%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is solid, enriching content that does what a good documentary should: educates while inspiring. The 94% audience score tells you it's not boring homework—it's genuinely engaging.

That said, it's not going to work for every kid. If your tween/teen isn't already into basketball or biographies, they might zone out during the talking-head segments. And you'll need to be ready for the HIV conversation, which the doc handles well but still requires parental follow-up.

The enrichment value is high: sports history, business lessons, civil rights context, and a masterclass in resilience. Magic's story is legitimately inspiring—from Showtime Lakers to AIDS activist to billionaire businessman. The interviews with Obama, Bird, and others add gravitas.

Bottom line: Great for middle and high schoolers who want substance with their sports content. Not for younger kids or those looking for pure entertainment.

Age Fit

Best for ages 11-17 who are interested in sports, history, or biography. The HIV/AIDS discussion and business content skew older, while younger kids might find the documentary pacing slow. Adults will appreciate the historical depth and interviews.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Documentary charts Magic Johnson's journey from humble beginnings to global icon with emphasis on perseverance, teamwork, and positive role modeling. Features interviews with President Obama and other respected figures. The inspirational tone and focus on overcoming adversity provides emotionally healthy content, though some mature themes around his HIV diagnosis require context.

Imaginative

As a biographical documentary, it presents real-world achievements and business innovation but doesn't invite creative expression or exploration. It documents an extraordinary life and career trajectory that could inspire viewers to think about their own goals, but the format is traditional talking-heads documentary style without particularly innovative storytelling techniques.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it for ages 11+, suggesting mature themes but no graphic content. The documentary addresses Magic's HIV diagnosis, which requires age-appropriate context but is handled respectfully. No violence, gore, or inappropriate content for tweens and teens. Apple TV+ is a curated platform with kids mode available. Some discussion of adult topics (health crisis, business dealings) may need parental guidance for younger viewers.

Enriching

Highly educational about sports history, the AIDS crisis, civil rights, and entrepreneurship. Features substantial interviews with historical figures including President Obama, Larry Bird, and Pat Riley. Provides insight into perseverance, business acumen, and using platform for social good. Strong audience score (94% RT, 7.7 IMDb) suggests it delivers meaningful content. Excellent for teaching about 1980s-90s cultural history and overcoming adversity.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Real talk about perseverance, failure, and comeback—Magic's story is genuinely inspiring without being saccharine
Heavy-hitter interviews (Obama, Larry Bird, Pat Riley) give historical context kids won't get in school
Teaches about the AIDS crisis in the '90s and how Magic helped change public perception and save lives
Shows the business side of sports—how athletes can build empires beyond their playing days
High audience scores (94% on RT) suggest it's actually engaging, not just educational homework

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What to Watch For

HIV/AIDS diagnosis discussion requires context—be ready to explain the crisis, stigma, and how treatment has evolved
Some kids might find the documentary format slow compared to scripted content—this is interview-heavy
Best for kids already interested in basketball or biography; won't convert sports-haters
Touches on racism and discrimination in sports/business that warrant follow-up conversations

Conversation Starters

"Magic had to retire at the peak of his career—how do you think he felt? What would you do if your dream got interrupted?"
"Why do you think people were so scared of HIV/AIDS in the 1990s? How did Magic help change that?"
"He became a businessman after basketball—what do you think you might want to do after your main career?"
"The documentary shows how Magic and Larry Bird were rivals who became friends. Do you have any 'rivals' you actually respect?"

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