W.I.T.C.H.

What’s the Story?

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?

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.