TV Show review
Review basis: 3 seasons · through December 29, 2024
August 11, 2021 · TV-14 · Ended
Woke Score
Lower is better
Not currently streaming in United States
Review
What If...? is an animated anthology series that reimagines key moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe in alternate timelines, with the Watcher guiding viewers through the multiverse. Episodes deliver action, humor, and twists on familiar heroes across three seasons that ended in 2024. Specific stories stand out for gender role reversals, such as Peggy Carter becoming the first super soldier, and for introducing new Indigenous characters in pre-colonial settings that highlight cultural identity and historical alternatives.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for What If...?.
Woke representation / casting
Several episodes highlight gender-swapped or new diverse heroes (Captain Carter, Kahhori); voice casting aligns with MCU diversity efforts, though the animated format makes story and character design more visible than live-action actor choices.
Woke political dialogue
Stories focus on personal choices, multiverse consequences, and heroism with almost no explicit modern political speeches or identity arguments.
Identity-driven story themes
Captain Carter episode explores a woman in a traditionally male hero role; Kahhori episode centers Indigenous identity, cultural authenticity, and an alternate history free of colonization; these elements stand out in an otherwise classic-character-driven anthology.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Kahhori story presents a positive vision of pre-colonial Indigenous society and implicitly critiques European arrival; minor modern social notes appear in season 3 but remain secondary.
Woke character or canon changes
Captain Carter reassigns the iconic super soldier origin; T'Challa takes Star-Lord's path; new characters like Kahhori are added for fresh scenarios.
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Niche YouTube and online critics specifically call out gender swaps and diversity-focused episodes as "woke trash" or SJW propaganda; complaints are limited and have not led to broad fan revolt.
Creator track record context
A.C. Bradley has spoken about breaking barriers for women and writers of color in key roles; most other writers and directors show no comparable public patterns.
Production
