David Henrie Criticizes Modern Kids’ Programming

David Henrie, known for his role in “Wizards of Waverly Place,” recently discussed his views on current children’s programming with Tomi Lahren. He expressed concern that today’s entertainment industry prioritizes conveying messages over quality storytelling, which he believes leads to propaganda. Henrie argues that storytelling should unite audiences, not divide them.

Stories of legendary quests and epic battles between good and evil have delighted people across cultures for generations. Such tales resonate because they evoke wonder and emphasize values like courage and love. J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis created worlds where danger and wonder coexist, and their works endure due to their clear moral themes.

The fantasy genre remains popular today, with billions spent on related media. However, Henrie believes some recent works undermine the genre’s essence. Creators increasingly equate maturity with explicitness, producing content heavy on sex and violence. This approach often sneaks past parents, worrying them about exposure.

Examples include recent young adult series like “A Court of Thorns and Roses” and “Fourth Wing,” which contain graphic content. Meanwhile, “Game of Thrones” exemplifies the trend toward excessive and purposeless sexual violence, with the series depicting hundreds of rapes.

Henrie suggests that fantasy should challenge evil and highlight its consequences. While evil exists in many powerful stories, like “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Chronicles of Narnia,” these works underscore the value of courage and the importance of choosing goodness over darkness.

Some reflect that faith-based or conservative entertainment might seem like a solution. However, Henrie believes all content creators—Christian or not—should deliver high-quality storytelling. Good writing, acting, and production are essential, regardless of the values depicted.

Tolkien and Lewis succeeded because their storytelling was compelling. Henrie urges creators to prioritize the craft of storytelling, aiming for a new era of fantasy that captivates and inspires without resorting to the gratuitous or shallow.

With the right focus, Henrie believes storytellers can create worlds worth escaping into, filled with heroes who guide us from darkness back to light.