W.I.T.C.H. - TV-Y7

An animated fantasy-adventure series for tweens.

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Common Sense rates it
3
Seen the show?
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details
  • TV Rating: TV-Y7
  • Network: Disney Channel
  • Cast: Candi Milo, Kelly Stables
  • Genre: Children, Cartoons, & Animation
  • >Available On: Download

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that boy-girl crushes are explored and that some kissing and hugging is involved. Also, some of the characters are stereotypes and not necessarily portrayed in a realistic way. However, the kids in the show are generally portrayed as caring, respectful, and fairly mature for their age. The five main characters are ethnically diverse and are good role models for girls because they're independent thinkers and deal with challenges head-on.

Families can talk about the importance of working as a team. Which real-life activities at school help promote teamwork? They can also address the show's stereotypes. When the girls tease Cornelia for being a "dumb blonde," are they taking it too far? How would you react to such teasing? Another topic of discussion could be how to use power responsibly. What would you do if you were given a special power? How would you use it for good? Finally, families can talk about how to handle a crush. What's a good way to let someone know you like them? If you don't really like someone who has a crush on you, how can you be honest without hurting their feelings?

Message

Social Behavior:

The characters occasionally tease each other gently and use light sarcasm, but they set a good example by working as a team and by helping the weak rather than taking advantage of them.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

The mild cartoon violence in this program mostly involves mythical creatures threatening humans or using weapons with intent to kill. The main characters use their superpowers to defend themselves or throw their enemies off-balance, not necessarily to injure them.

Sex

One of the subplots is a budding relationship between a boy and girl; they mention liking each other, and they hug and kiss at one point. Very sweet and innocent, no innuendo.

Language

No strong or inappropriate language.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Larisa Wiseman

W.I.T.C.H. is an entertaining and wholesome animated series that follows five schoolgirls as they face not only the everyday challenges of teen life, but also the responsibilities that come with having magical powers. Junior high students Will, Irma, Taranee, Cornelia, and Hay Lin (their initials form the acronym W.I.T.C.H.) discover that they possess magical powers and have been chosen as the Guardians of the Veil, a portal between the real world and a magical world called Meridian. Will, the new girl on the block, is the keeper of the Heart of Kandrakhar, a sort of amulet that gives the five friends their superpowers. Good vs. evil is a central theme of the show, as the girls fight to keep their world safe from the dangers lurking on the other side of the portal -- all while learning to balance schoolwork, activities, and relationships.

Is it any good?

3

While interactions among the characters can lean toward the melodramatic at times, the show makes an effort to portray teens in a positive (though perhaps not always realistic) light. The main characters set a good example by pulling together to overcome obstacles, whether as superheroes or regular teens; they also generally show respect for one another, despite occasional teasing. Young viewers will relate to much of the dialogue and to situations such as school trips, birthday parties, and first crushes. The superpower element adds an exciting dimension to the show.

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132 votes