Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

Let's be clear: Twisted Metal is not for kids, tweens, or even most teens. This is a show for adults who want to watch cars explode, people curse, and dark comedy unfold in a Mad Max-lite wasteland.

That said, for its intended audience, it actually delivers. The ratings are solid—audiences liked it way more than critics expected, and it successfully adapts a video game franchise that had no business working as a TV show. Anthony Mackie brings charm to what could've been a one-note character, and the show knows exactly what it is: dumb fun with high production value.

But from a WISE perspective? It scores terribly, and rightfully so. It's violent, crude, morally murky, and offers zero developmental value. If you're looking for something to watch with your 16-year-old, this ain't it. If you're looking for something to watch after the kids are in bed and you want to turn your brain off for some vehicular carnage and one-liners? Sure, have at it.

The WISE score reflects what it is: entertaining adult content that has no place on a family recommendation list.

Age Fit

This is for adults, period. 18+ is the real sweet spot, though mature 16-17 year olds who can handle graphic violence and dark humor might be okay with parental discretion. Anyone younger? Absolutely not. This isn't a 'borderline' call—it's firmly adult entertainment.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

15

Based on a vehicular combat video game franchise, this live-action adaptation is decidedly NOT wholesome. The premise involves post-apocalyptic death races and vehicular mayhem. While it leans into dark comedy, the tone is chaotic, violent, and filled with profanity and crude humor. Not modeling kindness or cooperation—more like survival through mayhem.

Imaginative

62

Credit where due: adapting a chaotic vehicular combat game into a narrative series takes creative ambition. The post-apocalyptic wasteland setting offers visual creativity and world-building. However, it's derivative of Mad Max aesthetics and doesn't break new ground. The imaginative elements are present but heavily borrowed from existing franchises.

Safe

8

This is emphatically NOT safe for younger viewers. Common Sense Media rates it 16+. Expect graphic violence, vehicular carnage, strong language throughout, sexual content, and dark themes. The entire premise is about vehicular combat and survival in a lawless wasteland. This is firmly adult-oriented action comedy with zero guardrails for younger audiences.

Enriching

28

As pure entertainment for adults who enjoy over-the-top action comedy, it delivers (79% RT critics, 89% audience, 7.3 IMDb). But enriching? Not really. It's popcorn TV—fun for what it is, but offering minimal cognitive growth, ethical insight, or meaningful takeaways beyond 'explosions and one-liners can be entertaining.' The characters are broadly drawn, and the violence is the point, not a vehicle for deeper themes.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Strong audience scores (89% RT, 7.3 IMDb) suggest it's genuinely entertaining for its target demographic
Successfully adapts a notoriously difficult-to-adapt video game franchise into watchable TV
Leans into self-aware dark comedy rather than taking itself too seriously
Anthony Mackie brings charisma to the lead role as a wisecracking courier
Delivers on the promise of vehicular mayhem and post-apocalyptic action

⚠

What to Watch For

Graphic violence and vehicular combat throughout—people die in creative and brutal ways
Pervasive strong language, sexual content, and crude humor
Dark themes of survival in a lawless wasteland with minimal moral guardrails
This is firmly R-rated TV content masquerading as a video game adaptation—keep it far from kids

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think post-apocalyptic stories are so popular right now?"
"How does the show balance humor with violence—does that work for you?"
"What makes a good video game adaptation versus a bad one?"
"Do you think the characters have any moral code, or is it just survival at all costs?"

Stills