Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
BFFs stir up magical recipes in fun family-friendly series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Just Add Magic
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 62 parent reviews
Parents say the show is a lovable, imaginative series that promotes wholesome values like friendship, responsibility, and respect among its young characters, making it a delight for families to watch together. Some viewers also note minor concerns about language and emotional intensity, yet agree that its core messages are positive and that it maintains a balance of suspense without being overly frightening for younger audiences.
- wholesome themes
- strong friendships
- family-friendly content
- engaging storylines
- minor language issues
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 81 kid reviews
Kids say this show is a delightful mix of magic, adventure, and teamwork that appeals to viewers of all ages. Many praise its engaging storylines and positive messages about friendship, although some note that certain parts may be frightening for younger children.
- appropriate for all ages
- fun and engaging
- positive messages
- slightly scary moments
- addictive viewing
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In JUST ADD MAGIC, Kelly Quinn (Olivia Sanabia) grew up cooking alongside her grandmother (Barbara Brownell), but the grandmother's mysterious illness recently put an end to that. So when Kelly discovers an old cookbook that once belonged to her grandma, she decides to make something from it for her, but doing so has surprising consequences for those around her. With each magical recipe she tries, she and her best friends, Hannah (Aubrey K. Miller) and Darbie (Abby Donnelly), notice that something bad always accompanies the good effects, and the book's contents increasingly seem related to Kelly's grandmother's condition. As mysteries swirl and suspicious figures keep tabs on the girls' actions, Kelly, Hannah, and Darbie try to learn the secrets behind these ancient recipes.
Is It Any Good?
This enjoyable drama series has many good qualities, from a solid trio of friends in the forefront to how carefully the story respects multigenerational family units and traditions. Kelly is the product of a loving home and loyal friends, and both influences guide her decisions. That doesn't mean she's perfect at every turn, and her decision to dabble in magic unsupervised raises some issues parents and kids can discuss, but the fact that she's motivated by compassion more than mere curiosity works in her favor.
Just Add Magic is a solid series with enough mystery to keep kids coming back from one episode to the next. As magical shows go, there are few scares, but there are instances of duplicity in characters the girls trust. With many scenes showing Kelly and her friends concocting goodies in the kitchen, the show might stir an interest in your youngsters to cook up something new as well.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Just Add Magic presents a family compared to others kids have seen. Does a family always have two parents, siblings, and/or grandparents? Can a family include friends? In what ways does your family look different from Kelly's?
Why does Kelly keep the secret of the cookbook from her parents and brother? Is keeping a secret ever OK in a family? How do you keep the lines of communication open in your house?
Have your kids join you in the kitchen. What are some of your favorite meals or treats to enjoy together? What are the benefits of cooking for yourself? Do your kids like to try new foods?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 15, 2015
- Cast : Olivia Sanabia , Aubrey K. Miller , Abby Donnelly
- Network : Prime Video
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Curiosity , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : February 8, 2026
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