Lab Rats
A solid choice
Ages 7–13First shown 2012
Leo is an ordinary teenager who has moved into a high-tech "smart'' house with his mother, inventor stepfather and Eddy, the computer that runs the house. Leo's life becomes less ordinary when, one day, he discovers a secret underground lab that houses three experiments: superhuman teenagers. The trio -- Adam, the strong one, Bree, the fast one and Chase, the smart one -- convinces Leo and his parents to let them leave their lab and join Leo at school, where they try to fit in while having to manage their unpredictable bionic strengths. As Leo figures out a way to keep his new pals' bionic abilities a secret, they help him build self-confidence.
Our verdict
- Good influence 3/5
- Parent appeal 3/5
- Well made 4/5
Reviewers describe Lab Rats as a fun, action-packed sci-fi comedy that many parents enjoy watching with their children due to its witty writing. While it features strong themes of teamwork and responsibility, some viewers find the frequent use of insults and the central premise of children as experiments to be problematic. Overall, the show is praised for its engaging cast and plot, though the special effects and writing quality are seen as inconsistent in later seasons.
Why these scores
Good influence
Does it show behaviour you'd be happy to see copied?
3out of 5
Reviewers are divided on the show's messaging; many praise its themes of teamwork, acceptance, and learning from mistakes, while others are troubled by the underlying premise of children as lab experiments. Frequent sibling insults, bullying, and the portrayal of an egotistical father figure lead some to find the behavior more mean-spirited than lighthearted.
Parent appeal
Will you enjoy watching it with them?
3out of 5
Opinion is split regarding how well this show holds up for adults, with many parents reporting they find the writing witty and enjoy it alongside their children. However, a significant number of reviews describe the humor as tailored strictly for the preteen demographic, leading some adults to find it tedious or lacking depth.
Well made
Are the writing, animation and sound made with care?
4out of 5
The series is generally well-regarded for its natural acting performances and clever sci-fi scripts, particularly in the earlier seasons. Some reviewers point out weak special effects and a decline in writing quality toward the end of its run, alongside occasional logical inconsistencies.
Watch-outs
Overstimulating: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
Toy-led: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
Grating audio: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
Where to watch
Stream for free
- Not that we know of
Stream with a subscription
- Not that we know of
Rent or buy
- Not that we know of
DVD and Blu-ray
Last updated 18 October 2026.