that's a big part of the problem. [...] These cute kids illegally access and search their school's computer, the private files of the county clerk's office and the computer system of a large newspaper in Los Angeles. [...] Instead of appealing, the first episode pilot of Whiz Kids is appalling." New York Times critic John J. O'Connor felt similarly, writing "Whiz Kids is a kiddie show, the kind of product that should be shown on Saturday mornings or late afternoons. Richie and his friends are constantly hopping on and off their bicycles as, with the help of a local newspaper reporter, they set about solving rather far-fetched mysteries. Using such computer devices as "image recognition program," they "access" programs ranging from school schedules to the Southern California Title and Survey Commission. [CBS] is insisting that Whiz Kids will be all fun and games and that it will not give youngsters any questionable ideas. Coming on the heels of the recent movie WarGames, that remains to be seen." Associated Press critic Fred Rothenberg echoed the sentiment, writing "Whiz Kids does not make a whimper on the sex-and-violence scale, yet it may be more dangerous to children than anything on television this season. [O]ur adolescent heroes – sort of Hardy Boys high on silicon chips – engage, willy-nilly, in assorted illegal activities: computer tampering, driving without licenses and grave-robbing. Even though some of this law-breaking may be construed as adolescent pranks, and all of it is done in the name of crime-fighting, none of it serves well as TV role model behavior." Pittsburgh Press critic Barbara Holsopple perceived the same problems, writing "The season's most disturbing new series debuts tonight. Before the hour is through, Whiz Kids glorifies theft by computer, breaking and entering, and car theft by underage drivers. [...] Yes, the young actors are talented and clever and cute, [but] Whiz Kids glorifies crime. It makes heroes of its young criminals. premise is rooted in the message that anybody's computer system is fair game so long as the end justifies the means. And with an 8 P.M. time slot and a cast of young people, its target audience is children." Montreal Gazette writer Mike Boone gave the series premiere its one positive review, writing "To enjoy Whiz Kids – and I think a lot of people will – viewers will have to suspend disbelief and buy the show's rather far-out