Lost in Oz

Name: Lost in Oz
Item: Lost in Oz
Rating: 5
Author: Natascha Crandall

TV review by

Natascha Crandall, Common Sense Media

Common Sense says

age 6+

(i)

Visit to modern-day Oz a delight full of positive messages.

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Parents say

age 7+

Based on 9 reviews

Kids say

age 11+

Based on 7 reviews

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We think this TV show stands out for:

Character Strengths

A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

Educational Value

Positive Messages

Dorothy is met with obstacle after obstacle, yet she never really gets down. She is optimistic and perseveres through every difficult situation. She is a mortal and does not have any magical powers, yet she seems to outwit the evil around her. She also relies on her friends and works with others, often putting them ahead of herself. This show encourages kids to work hard and never give up.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Dorothy is smart and brave, and she perseveres. She is always positive and uses her intellect to get out of danger, despite the terrifying flying monkeys. While she is trapped in a world full of magic, it is her human ualities that get her out of tough situations, and this makes her a spectacular role model for everyone.

Violence & Scariness

It wouldn't be an Oz story without winged monkeys, and while this version's are more like sinister rottweilers (dumb but mean), they're still scary and menacing. They also throw "water balloons of oblivion," a weapon that makes its targets forget things. Some of the magic created takes the form of glittering monsters and snakes that disappear but that might spook some kids.

Sexy Stuff

Language

The occasional "what the ... " and some light bullying from a group of classroom "mean girls."

Consumerism

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Lost in Oz is a sweet series based on the world of Oz. It's filled with action, adventure, positive role models, and lots of fun. It stays true to the original plot, focusing on the fact that Dorothy was sent to Oz via a tornado and must find her way home by finding the "Yellow Line." It's milder than the film, and while it contains many of the same characters, it has a different vibe that young kids will love.

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User Reviews

Parents say
Kids say

Adult Written byerinmidwife September 28, 2017

age 10+

Rather dark and overstimulating

I watched this with my 7 y/o daughter and 10 y/o son. I was hoping for more based on other reviews I had read. Having only watched the first episode, this was m... Continue reading

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Parent of a 5 and 7-year-old Written bycristeleg June 11, 2018

age 9+

season 1 is ok - season 2 is scary

my kids (5 and 7) really liked the first season - we were all eager to watch the second season! they watched hald of the first episode and switched it off. Too... Continue reading

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Teen, 14 years old Written bybirds of tokyo February 6, 2020

age 12+

Lost in oz

It is really good.

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Kid, 10 years old May 17, 2018

age 7+

Great show!

Lost in Oz is an amazing show. It is interesting, as well as funny. The adventure in it makes it exiting and enjoyable.

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What's the story?

In LOST IN OZ, 12-year-old Dorothy discovers her mother's magical journal from Oz hidden beneath the floorboards of their Kansas home. The book triggers a tornado, rips her house from its foundation, and transports Dorothy and her dog, Toto, to Oz. Lost in this bustling, modern, magical metropolis, Dorothy learns that to get back to Kansas, she'll need to acquire every magical element in Oz. Unfortunately for her, Oz is currently facing the worst magic crisis in eons. Dorothy and Toto find unlikely friends and realize the only way to get the magic she needs to get home is to find the elusive Glinda, the most powerful witch in Oz.

Is it any good?

Full of action and adventure, this series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from the opening moments. To keen eyes and ears, Lost in Oz contains many iconic elements from The Wizard of Oz, making it enjoyable for multiple age groups who may or may not be familiar with the traditional Dorothy and Toto story. However, while it contains munchkins, Glinda, and terrifying flying monkeys, it's nothing like the original movie. It might even be a better intro to the tale for little ones.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about how many times Dorothy could have given up in Lost in Oz but didn't. What do they think Dorothy should do next on her quest to find Glinda the Good Witch? If kids have watched The Wizard of Oz, they can also try to point out all the similarities they can see between this show and the movie.
Kids: How are you like Dorothy? Do you always see things in a positive or negative light? Do you keep trying, or do you give up?
Dorothy is definitely optimistic, persevering, and working hard toward her goals. What other character strengths are important to your family?