Parents' Guide to Project Greenlight: A New Generation

TV Max Reality TV 2023
Project Greenlight: A New Generation poster: Issa Rae, Kumail Nanjiani, and Gina Prince-Bythewood sit in directors chairs with a camera against a gray background.

Common Sense Media Review

Diondra K. Brown By Diondra K. Brown , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Women filmmakers take center stage in reality show reboot.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Kumail Nanjiani, Issa Rae, Meko Winbush, and Gina Prince-Bythewood stand against a gray wall.
  • Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae sit together on a couch with hopeful faces.
  • Meko Winbush sits in a chair looking at a panel of judges.

Parent and Kid Reviews

See all

What's the Story?

PROJECT GREENLIGHT: A NEW GENERATION takes viewers behind the camera as industry-leading producers/mentors Issa Rae, Kumail Nanjiani, and Gina Prince-Bythewood support the next great female director. Thousands of women from around the United States applied to win Project Greenlight: A New Generation. After a rigorous process, Meko Winbush is crowned the winner in the first episode, and the series follows her journey to create a film from an existing screenplay, Gray Matter. As a newcomer to directing a feature film, Meko faces lots of challenges throughout her journey -- both foreseen and unforeseen. Does she have what it takes to be a great filmmaker, or will she crumble under the pressure?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

This reboot brings diverse voices to the forefront of the film industry. Project Greenlight: A New Generation is an enjoyable watch for those who appreciate the art of filmmaking and like behind-the-scenes access to the craft. Viewers learn a lot about all aspects of film production and direction. Mentors Rae, Nanjiani, and Prince-Bythewood shine even though they're not physically present most of the time, while the winner has a lackluster personality and doesn't consistently communicate her passion for the craft. Because Gray Matter is a sci-fi film, some viewers may find the clips shown in the series to be somewhat scary. Those interested in Meko's journey will likely be left wanting to view the finished project, which is also streaming on Max.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how in Project Greenlight: A New Generation the mentors decide to recruit only women filmmakers for the first time in the show's history. Why is it important to showcase the talent that female directors have?

  • Would you watch Gray Matter? Why, or why not?

  • Teamwork plays an important role in filmmaking. What did you learn about the process of making a film, and all the people involved, while watching?

TV Details

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

Project Greenlight: A New Generation poster: Issa Rae, Kumail Nanjiani, and Gina Prince-Bythewood sit in directors chairs with a camera against a gray background.

What to Watch Next

See all

HBO Max Originals

See all

Drama TV for Teens

See all recommended tv lists

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