Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Whiz kids break stereotypes, make being smart cool.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Project Mc2
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 20 parent reviews
Based on 55 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a mix of fun and frustration; while some find it entertaining and a good role model for young girls, highlighting STEM and girl empowerment, others criticize it for reliance on stereotypes and not showcasing genuine intelligence. There's a divide in opinions, with some praising its messages of positivity and perseverance, while others lament its unrealistic portrayals and suggest the characters lack common sense.
- - mixed reviews
- - positive role models
- - stereotypes criticized
- - entertaining fun
- - unrealistic portrayals
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When the new girl in school sparks the curiosity of best friends Adrienne (Victoria Vida), Bryden (Genneya Walton), and Camryn (Ysa Penarejo) in PROJECT MC2, they team up to discover the secret behind her suspicious behavior. What they learn is that McKeyla (Mika Abdalla) is actually a secret agent working for Innovate, an elite team of women who secretly run the world, and she's been assigned to their town because of threats made on a visiting dignitary. But far from suffering consequences for their discovery, the three friends are recruited by Innovate's leader, the Quail (Danica McKellar), to train as operatives themselves, thanks to their superior intellect and problem-solving skills.
Is It Any Good?
In a media climate that often feels heavy on teen sex, fighting among girls, and bullying, this wholesome series centers on girls who are so busy excelling in school that they don't have time for such nonsense. Not only do they make being the smart kids look cool, their accomplishments also earn them some pretty enviable (if mostly unbelievable) jobs as undercover agents. And with the highly intelligent Quail as their mentor, these girls quickly come to realize that there's no limit to what they can do.
Even though Project Mc2 touts girl power at its finest, there's no reason to rule out boys as potential viewers as well. Especially if yours have an interest in math or science, there's plenty to keep their interest in the characters' experimentations with various gadgets and concoctions. If nothing else, at least they'll see some fun applications of math and science skills at play.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Project Mc2's intent. What does it try to teach about science or math? What does it have to say about gender stereotypes as they relate to these subjects?
Are all these girls good role models? What qualities do your tweens admire in them? Why is it important to identify role models and be inspired by them?
Did your tweens learn anything about science or math by watching this show? What applications of the characters' knowledge look the most interesting to them?
How do the characters in Project Mc2 demonstrate courage? Why is this an important character strength?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 7, 2015
- Cast : Ysa Penarejo , Mika Abdalla , Victoria Vida , Genneya Walton
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : STEM , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Courage
- TV rating :
- Awards : Common Sense Selection , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 1, 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
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