Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Confused horror drama has suspense, not enough surprises.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Wolf Like Me
What's the Story?
In WOLF LIKE ME, a 40-something widower named Gary (Josh Gad, Frozen) struggles to connect with his 11-year-old daughter, Emma. Emma's anxiety dictates much of what happens in their home: she won't let her dad into her room, tells him which route to take to get to school, refuses to eat when she's upset. Her dad walks on eggshells in their home. Dating for Gary has become a minefield as a consequence. When Mary (Isla Fisher) literally crashes into their lives, she connects with Emma immediately, baffling Gary. The adults see each other haltingly, but Mary is hiding something horrible, which piques Gary's curiosity. Can they put aside her secret in order to get closer? What will happen when they do?
Is It Any Good?
Sure, there are some moments in Wolf Like Me that intrigue: fine actors can find moments. As far as a romantic series goes, there are tender feelings in this show that are put on the line. But as it ends up, this isn't a series about two people falling awkwardly in love. It's a horror show about a werewolf. Right? Or is it a love story? A story about redemtion? About creating a trusting, loving family after tragedy has visited the home? It's hard to know what's really going on here, or why it's going on.
Though some scenes succeed in being tender and sweet, the pauses between lines are allowed to go on for too long, the "natural" delivery smacks of schlock, stacking up awkward "I think I like you," vibes to limited effect. The most honest scenes are because the child, Emma (played by the outstanding Ariel Donahgue), akes this whole relationship thing very seriously indeed. For Emma, family is a life or death matter. Teens might be curious to see what happens as the moon rises. Adults might scratch their heads and flip to a show with more insidious, more real, more subtle horrors than what this confusing effort provides.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in horror movies and shows like Wolf Like Me. How does seeing violence, or hearing it described in shows like this, make you feel?
Emma, age 11, stuggles with anxiety and depression. How does a show like this make you feel about people who live with mental illness? Do you think this is a realistic portayal?
Gary's empathy for Mary's struggles gets him embroiled in a complicated relationship. When is compassion healthy? When are boundaries in order?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 13, 2022
- Cast : Isla Fisher , Josh Gad , Ariel Donoghue
- Network : Peacock
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 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
Suggest an Update
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