Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, Unstable is fine. It's a Netflix workplace sitcom about a father and son trying to save the family biotech business while working through their issues. The reviews are solidly 'meh'—critics gave it a 68%, audiences a 62%, IMDb users a 6.7. That's the definition of forgettable television.

The premise has potential—family dynamics, generational clashes, workplace comedy—but the execution seems to land somewhere between 'pleasant background noise' and 'why am I still watching this?' It's not offensive, it's not terrible, it's just... there.

If your teen is bored and scrolling Netflix, they could do worse. But they could also do a lot better. This isn't the show that's going to spark deep family conversations or become anyone's favorite. It's the show you watch once, forget about, and then vaguely remember when someone mentions it three years later. 'Oh yeah, that existed.'

The WISE score reflects this reality: it's safe enough, has some wholesome family themes, but lacks imagination and enrichment. It's a 52—passing, but barely worth your time.

Age Fit

Best for ages 14+ based on Common Sense Media guidance. The workplace setting and adult humor make this more appropriate for high schoolers and adults. Younger teens might find it boring; older teens might relate to the family dynamics but won't find it particularly compelling.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

62

Father-son workplace comedy with a focus on family dynamics and reconciliation. Mixed reviews suggest some emotional depth around family relationships, but also eccentric, chaotic energy from the biotech genius father character that may not always model healthy behavior. The premise centers on working through family issues, which is positive, but execution appears uneven based on moderate audience scores.

Imaginative

55

Biotech setting offers some conceptual novelty, but this is ultimately a workplace sitcom format that doesn't particularly invite creative thinking or exploration. The 'eccentric genius' trope is well-worn territory. Moderate critical scores (68% RT critics, 6.7 IMDb) suggest the show doesn't break much new ground in its storytelling or comedic approach.

Safe

70

Common Sense Media rates it 14+, suggesting some mature themes but nothing severe. Netflix platform with kids mode available provides basic safety infrastructure. No specific content warnings identified in available data, but the TV-14 equivalent rating implies some language, innuendo, or adult situations that would be inappropriate for younger viewers. No violence, gore, or truly shocking content expected from a workplace comedy format.

Enriching

48

Limited enrichment value beyond light entertainment. While the father-son relationship and workplace dynamics could offer some insights into family communication and business challenges, the middling reviews (62% RT audience) suggest the show doesn't deliver particularly meaningful takeaways. Biotech setting is surface-level rather than educational. More focused on comedy than growth or skill-building.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Explores father-son relationship dynamics in a workplace setting, which could resonate with families navigating similar tensions
Biotech company backdrop adds a slightly different flavor to the standard office sitcom formula
Decent production values from Netflix and moderate critical approval (68% on RT) suggest competent execution
Could spark conversations about family businesses, generational differences, and communication styles

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What to Watch For

Rated 14+ for a reason—expect some adult humor, workplace innuendo, and language that's not appropriate for younger kids
The 'eccentric genius' dad character may model chaotic or boundary-crossing behavior that isn't always healthy
Middling audience scores (62% RT, 6.7 IMDb) suggest this won't blow anyone away—it's aggressively fine
May be forgettable; not the kind of show that sparks water cooler conversations or becomes a family favorite

Conversation Starters

"Do you think it's harder to work with family or easier? Why?"
"What would it be like if we all worked together at the same company?"
"The dad in this show is pretty over-the-top. What makes a good boss versus a difficult one?"
"If you had to start a business, what would it be and who would you want to work with?"

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