Common Sense Media Review
By Ashley Moulton
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
Wizards return with more magic, mischief, and life lessons.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
What's the Story?
In WIZARDS BEYOND WAVERLY PLACE, Justin Russo (David Henrie) is living a happy suburban life with his wife, Giada (Mimi Gianopulos), and kids Milo (Max Matenko) and Roman (Alkaio Thiele) until his sister, Alex (Selena Gomez), arrives for a surprise visit. Alex is shocked to learn that Justin has been hiding his wizard identity from his family and living as a nonmagical high school principal. She's visiting her brother with a mission: to convince him to come out of magical retirement to mentor young wizard Billie. Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown) is a powerful teen wizard who's been kicked out of wizard school for her rebellious attitude. Alex is desperate for Justin to help Billie harness her powers, as it's been prophesied that Billie will be responsible for saving the entire world. Justin agrees to help Billie, opens up the portal back to his magical lair, and gets his wand back. Can Justin teach Billie to control her emotions and her magic, with all of humanity at stake?
Is It Any Good?
In some ways, this spin-off is a blast from the past, with its sitcom sets, its laugh track, and Selena Gomez reprising the role that launched her career. Wizards Beyond Waverly Place manages to satisfy Gen Z nostalgia while still feeling fun and relevant to kids unfamiliar with the original Russo family. Wizards is silly and campy, with unrealistic-looking monsters and special effects, and lots of physical humor. It's got fun magic and spells sprinkled throughout. At the same time, it's not all gags. The tween characters are dealing with real-life growing pains, and the lessons give the show a strong underlying heart and message.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the lesson in each episode of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. What did the characters learn, and how? Do you think the lesson applies to your real life in any way?
Do you consider Billie a role model for kids? Why, or why not? What are her positive and negative attributes?
How do characters persevere in the face of challenges? Why do you think this is an important character strength?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 29, 2024
- Cast : Selena Gomez , David Henrie , Janice LeAnn Brown
- Networks : Disney+ , Disney Channel
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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