Common Sense Media Review
By Ashley Moulton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Epic prequel celebrates Nigerian mythology and family.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Iyanu: The Age of Wonders
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In IYANU: THE AGE OF WONDERS, Olori (Adesua Etomi-Wellington) tells Iyanu (Serah Johnson) the story of her family and how she became The Chosen. It's a prequel to the Iyanu series that provides viewers with the lore of the Iyanu universe. The story begins 500 years ago, when a dark cloud monster called Meje formed over Yorubaland, causing its 12 tribes to constantly war. The Divine Ones—led by One Mother (Shaffy Bello), First Father (Babajide Oyekunle), and their son Deso (Lord Frank)—fight against Meje, hoping to bring peace to the people of Yorubaland. Iyanu's parents Ishe (Ike Ononye) and Dara (Sisan Victor-Woko) are fighting for the cause when they learn that they're expecting a child who will be humanity's salvation. Ishe and Dara vow to protect Iyanu, no matter the cost. In the epic battles that ensue, Iyanu's parents make the ultimate sacrifice to protect their daughter and the people of Yorubaland. One Mother's sacrifice leads Deso into such despair, it becomes the catalyst for him embracing evil and turning into The Fallen One.
Is It Any Good?
Like the main series of Iyanu, this special focuses on strong female characters and the engaging storyworld of Yorubaland and its Nigerian mythology. The Age of Wonders begins with a lot of slow backstory, but the payoff is worth it when the epic tale explains both Iyanu's origins and The Fallen One's villain origin story. The special comes to an emotional climax when Iyanu's parents sacrifice themselves so she can live, a scene that will pull at the heartstrings of kids and adults alike. For fans of the Iyanu series, The Age of Wonders is an action-filled prequel that will add meaning to the rest of the series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Iyanu's parents' integrity. They followed through with their promise to protect Iyanu, no matter the cost. What do you think this decision was like for them?
Talk about Deso's transition from "good" to "evil." What were the turning points in the story when he could have made different choices, and created a different outcome? How did his pride affect his actions?
How does this prequel explain different parts of the regular Iyanu series?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 30, 2025
- Cast : Serah Johnson , Ike Ononye , Sisan Victor-Woko
- Networks : Cartoon Network , HBO Max
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters , Family Stories , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Superheroes
- Character Strengths : Integrity
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 4, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate