Common Sense Media Review
Grief can build community in inconsistent fantasy adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Ruby and the Well
What's the Story?
Following the death of her mother, Ruby O'Reilly (Zoe Wiesenthal) gets a fresh start when she moves to a new town to help reopen her father's (Kristopher Turner) family orchard. Ruby discovers an enchanted well hidden on the property, and is magically selected as its newest "keeper." With her name ingrained on the stone, Ruby gets visions that allow her to briefly see into other people's lives. She must now use her new powers to gain insight into helping the townspeople.
Is It Any Good?
This series about an enchanted well may be well intentioned, but its execution leaves the viewer wishing for more. With each episode clocking in at around 45 minutes, the runtime of Ruby and the Well creates inconsistent pacing at the expense of the story. The problems Ruby is tasked to fix either feel too complex or over simplified. A library closes because people "just started caring more about themselves," and a teenage runaway's backstory feels incomplete and more like a sprint to the finish. The show succeeds when it focuses on Ruby's personal growth. She uses the loss of her mother to change her grief into good. Her empathy toward others is admirable, and creates a heart at the center of the story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about new beginnings in Ruby and the Well. How does Ruby react to new experiences she faces at Emerald? Why is change sometimes difficult?
Ruby is dealing with a lot of hard things all at once. If you could talk to Ruby, what advice would you give her?
Which of the characters do you relate to most? Why?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 27, 2022
- Cast : Zoe Wiesenthal , Lina Sennia , Kristopher Turner
- Network : BYUtv
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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