Common Sense Media Review
By Ashley Moulton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Preschool problem-solving with adorable animals.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 2+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Wonderoos
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In WONDEROOS, five animal friends live in the same building in Roo City. Dewey the dog (voiced by Christendeo Szabo), Kiki the cat (Naomi Tan), Hazzy the elephant (Saige McMillan), Teshi the turtle (Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez), and Luly the bunny (Jazlyn Onaba) love playing together. Each episode features a character experiencing something for the first time, whether it's having a potty accident, getting glasses, or getting lost. During a difficult moment, the Wonderoo pauses to consider two choices they could make. They make the wrong choice and then see the consequences of their actions. Then, magically, they're able to rewind everything back to the decision point and make the better choice. For example, Hazzy the elephant doesn't want to stop playing even though he has to go to the bathroom. He has an accident, but he rewinds and chooses to go to the bathroom earlier the second time. After the problem has been resolved, the Wonderoos resume playing and having fun.
Is It Any Good?
These animals have very relatable preschooler problems (like going to the dentist for the first time, and the very meta problem of ending screen time). However, the conceit of The Wonderoos may be a bit confusing for young kids. A character makes a mistake, and then can rewind and make the correct choice instead. Some kids may find it helpful to see the "wrong" choice played out so they can see the consequences, but the time-reversal aspect might make the lesson of the show harder to understand. Also, some kids might find it frustrating that the characters ask the home viewer "What should I do?" and then make the worse choice every time. Wonderoos might spark some interesting conversations with young kids experiencing new things for the first time, but it might not appeal to young viewers as strongly as other preschool shows.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the decision the character made in the episode. What would you do if the same thing happened to you?
In real life, you can't go back and fix your mistake before it happens. What would you do if you made the wrong choice in real life?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 15, 2024
- Cast: Christendo Szabo , Naomi Tan , Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Cats, Dogs, and Mice , Friendship
- TV rating: TV-Y
- Last updated: July 29, 2024
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