"Boston.com"s Joanna Weiss called the show's framework "less magical than milquetoast". Reviewers have criticized the role of the parents as "fools" and "buffoons". Additionally, Alex has been viewed as an ineffective role model due to her rebellious nature. Ackerman suggests that the setting of the Greenwich Village is misrepresented, as the Russos, a working class family, should not be financially comfortable living in one of the most expensive New York neighborhoods. He stated that the characters seem to forget the lessons that they learn from episode to episode, and continue to make the same mistakes. Ackerman said that there are never consequences for the Russo children abusing their magical powers. He suggested that the lessons taught by Jerry about how to live life without magic are pointless, as when the series ends, both Alex and Justin retain their abilities. Reviewing the series finale, Eakin criticized the quality of the wizards' robe costuming and the use of a laugh track. Critics have found fault with the special effects of the program, such as the lacklustre computer animation of a griffin. Paul Asay of "Plugged In" referred to the program's depiction of angels as "spiritually misleading".