Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Will Trent is perfectly fine network TV—the kind of show your parents probably have on in the background while folding laundry. It's competently made, has some nice representation with a dyslexic lead, and tackles heavier themes around foster care and systemic issues.

But let's be real: it's a crime procedural. Every episode someone's dead, there's investigation stuff, some emotional beats, case solved. Rinse and repeat. For teens 14+, it's safe enough (no graphic gore for network TV), and the protagonist's backstory provides some substance. Adults who like this genre will find it solidly entertaining.

The WISE score is middling because while it's not harmful, it's not particularly enriching either—it's just... fine. Your teen won't learn much they couldn't get from other sources, and younger kids absolutely shouldn't watch. If your family likes procedurals and you want something with a bit more heart than your standard cop show, this works. But nobody's going to remember this show in five years.

Age Fit

This is squarely for older teens (14+) and adults. It's a crime procedural with all the murder and mature themes that entails. Younger kids have zero business watching this, and frankly, most teens would find it kind of boring compared to their usual streaming fare.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

55

As a crime procedural, Will Trent deals with murders, criminal investigations, and morally complex situations. The protagonist is portrayed as empathetic and ethical despite a troubled past, which provides some positive modeling. However, the genre inherently involves disturbing content and dark themes that aren't emotionally nurturing for younger viewers.

Imaginative

45

Standard crime procedural format following established genre conventions. While detective work requires problem-solving, the show doesn't particularly invite creative expression or original thinking from viewers. It's competently executed but follows familiar network TV formulas without breaking new ground.

Safe

40

Crime dramas inherently feature violence, murder scenes, and potentially disturbing content. Common Sense Media rates it 14+, suggesting mature themes. While it's likely not gratuitously graphic for network TV standards, it contains regular depictions of crime, violence, and adult situations that would be inappropriate for younger viewers to stumble upon.

Enriching

58

The show explores themes of overcoming adversity (Will Trent has dyslexia and grew up in foster care), justice, and ethical policing. These elements provide some depth and potential for discussion about systemic issues and personal resilience. The IMDb 7.7 and Metacritic 71 suggest solid execution with substance beyond pure entertainment.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Features a neurodivergent protagonist (dyslexia) who's competent and successful, which is genuinely refreshing representation
Explores foster care system issues and childhood trauma with some nuance
Decent ratings (7.7 IMDb, 71 Metacritic) suggest it's well-executed for the genre
Could spark conversations about justice, ethics, and overcoming adversity

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What to Watch For

It's a murder show—every episode features crime scenes, violence, and disturbing content
Mature themes around abuse, trauma, and systemic issues that younger teens may not be ready for
Standard procedural format means it can feel repetitive and formulaic after a while

Conversation Starters

"Will has dyslexia but is great at his job—what strengths do you think he brings because of how his brain works differently?"
"The show talks about foster care a lot. What do you think makes a good support system for kids?"
"How do you think detectives balance getting justice with following the rules?"

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