Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
Disney's new series once again immerses viewers in the magical world of the Russo family but seems hesitant to embrace independence and an unpredictable storyline at times.
The new series takes place many years after Wizards of Waverly Place ended. Justin Russo now works at a school, is happily married, and raising two sons, all while keeping his wizard identity a secret. However, his life is thrown into chaos when his sister unexpectedly visits, bringing along a young wizard named Billie. Now, Justin must not only teach Billie magic but also learn to balance the best of both worlds.
In many ways, the new series falls short of its predecessor. To start, the writers chose to stick with familiar territory by creating characters nearly identical to those from Wizards of Waverly Place. The show introduces four main characters modeled after the originals: Billie (Alex), Roman (Justin), Milo (Max), and Winter (Harper). Rather than giving these protagonists fresh development, the series almost entirely replicates the personalities of their counterparts. Billie is eccentric and self-centered, constantly finding herself in trouble that she then needs to resolve with the meticulous perfectionist Roman. Winter is portrayed as a highly immature and hyperactive friend, while Milo fills the role of a slightly dim but lovable character. Even Justin’s wife, Giada Russo, mirrors Theresa Russo’s mortal status and personality almost exactly.
Another major drawback of the series is its inconsistent graphics, which struggle to find a steady quality. In some episodes, the effects are impressive and look realistic, while in others, they appear cheap or even blurry. It seems the show relies on the young audience’s lack of attention; for example, in one scene, Billie holds Justin in his hands, but in the next frame, he’s suddenly replaced by an obvious doll. The musical accompaniment also feels poorly managed — sometimes it’s entirely absent, and when it’s present, it doesn’t always suit the mood of the scene. The storyline also faces challenges, as it’s generally predictable, and the characters’ actions and dialogue are often easy to anticipate from the very beginning of each episode. Some episodes even struggle to balance dual plotlines, with one storyline often fading into the background, seemingly forgotten by both the audience and the creators.
Not everything is as bleak as it might seem. The series embraces a lighthearted approach with plenty of silly, and sometimes genuinely funny jokes. David Henrie still brings charm to his character (even if he can be a bit over-the-top at times), and the new cast has an undeniable chemistry that’s enjoyable to watch. Though the main characters are younger than their predecessors, this doesn’t make them any less relatable; in fact, they tackle real teenage issues like bullying or wanting a pet despite parental objections, adding a level of authenticity and seriousness to their roles.
Generation Z, who grew up with Wizards of Waverly Place, will appreciate seeing familiar characters return and diving back into the magical world of a new Russo family. The series is packed with references and familiar storylines, paying respectful homage to the original with a thoughtful continuation of its events. It also expands on the universe’s lore — not only honoring classic locations and spells but introducing fresh enemies, creatures, and magical elements that feel seamlessly integrated into the story.
In the end, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is a pleasant series to enjoy on a cozy fall evening. If you don’t recall how the original show wrapped up, don’t worry — the first few episodes provide a quick refresher. Despite the addition of charismatic new characters and its loyalty to the original story’s canon, the show occasionally seems reluctant to break free from the established formula. The new wizards certainly have their own charm, though they may fall short of bringing the same level of freshness and innovation that Wizards of Waverly Place once did.
6.5/10