"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, "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."