Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
H2O spin-off reels in more fun for kids, teens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mako Mermaids: An H2O Adventure
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 25 parent reviews
Parents say that while the show has some innocent romance suitable for older kids, many feel it contains too much romantic content for younger children, potentially making it unsuitable for those under 10. However, some reviews note that it provides wholesome entertainment with positive female role models, engaging storylines, and a relatively harmless approach to romance, though it faces criticism for its depth and character development compared to its predecessor.
- romantic content
- positive role models
- suitable for older kids
- engaging storylines
- depth issues
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 52 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In MAKO MERMAIDS, three young mermaids take to land for the first time to undo the effects of magical powers accidentally bestowed on a teen boy. A late-summer camping trip to the remote island of Mako takes an unexpected turn when Zac (Chai Romruen) falls into a mystical pool during a full moon and becomes a merman. The accident has dire consequences for the entire mermaid pod, which then shuns Sirena (Amy Ruffle), Nixie (Ivy Latimer), and Lyla (Lucy Fry), who decide to take Zac's powers back to set things right. But to do so, they have to find him, and that means taking on human forms and joining the land-dwellers.
Is It Any Good?
Hoping to reel in some of H2O's success with viewers, Mako Mermaids retains many touches of the original, most evidently the emphasis on three beautiful teen mermaids who aren't exactly best friends in the beginning but whose relationship evolves over time. New to the mix is a male character, and a merman at that, which gives the show a distinct flair and a little more macho charisma. It's possible that this change could entice the boy demographic somewhat, but more likely it will just ramp up the appeal to the girls who are already watching.
Mako Mermaids marks a change in the tone of Netflix's original series, which previously had churned out only shows meant for an older audience. Of course, introducing kids to online TV raises its own concerns, so if this is your kids' first experience with this, that is a factor to consider. As for this show, though, its generally benign content welcomes a range of ages, and the mermaids' awkward fish-out-of-water storyline provides many laughable moments. There are also touches of mythology and subtle thinking points about tolerance and individuality that can be gleaned from the story if kids are so inclined.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about this show's unique take on teen girls. In what ways does the fact that the teens are outsiders give you a different perspective on typical teen behavior? Do these characters negate any stereotypes? Do they perpetuate any? What about Zac's character?
Kids: Why are stories about magic so magical for viewers? Is it fun to imagine the world differently from how it is?
Parents can talk to their kids about online safety. What sites are you allowed to visit online? Why does your family have rules about this issue? Are there any benefits to watching TV online as opposed to the traditional way?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 26, 2013
- Cast : Amy Ruffle , Chai Romruen , Ivy Latimer , Lucy Fry
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship , Animals ( Ocean Creatures )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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