What is Mr. Smith Goes to Washington's IQ Score?

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington has an IQ Score of 134/200 on TV Intelligentsia's Intelligence Quotient framework, placing it in the Stimulating tier. The score breaks down to 30/50 Cognitive Stimulation, 34/50 Educational Value, and 38/50 Craft & Quality.

Is Mr. Smith Goes to Washington educational?

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is moderate on educational value, 34/50 on TVI's rubric. Some learning happens, but it isn't the show's primary work.

How does TV Intelligentsia calculate IQ Score?

TV Intelligentsia's IQ Score is calculated as round((Cognitive Stimulation × 0.4 + Educational Value × 0.35 + Craft & Quality × 0.25) × 4), scoring titles from 0 to 200 across five tiers: Masterclass (≥160), Stimulating (≥130), Competent (≥100), Passive (≥70), and Numbing (<70). The framework is published at tvintelligentsia.com/methodology/.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington , IQ Score 134/200

Name: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Genre: drama
Rating: 134

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington has an IQ Score of 134/200 on TV Intelligentsia's Intelligence Quotient rubric, placing it in the Stimulating tier.

By Jordan Robinson, MPH·Updated 2026-06-06·Methodology

drama

134/ 200

Stimulating

Consistently challenges the viewer and rewards attention

Score Breakdown

Cognitive Stimulation/50

Educational Value/50

Craft & Quality/50

IQ = round((Cognitive × 0.4 + Educational × 0.35 + Craft × 0.25) × 4) · How we score →

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Why you should trust this score

Methodology reviewed by Jordan Robinson, MD, MPH

Physician scientist. Master of Public Health, with substantial coursework in research methodology. Reviews the rubric and its application across the adult catalog.

Methodology

Published rubric, v1.2

Formula

round(C × 0.40 + E × 0.35 + Q × 0.25) × 4

Database scale

2,324 titles, version-controlled

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The TVI Take

A naive idealist is appointed to the US Senate and confronts political corruption. Frank Capra's civic drama is exceptional.

Educational about the mechanics of the Senate, filibuster procedures, and political corruption. Jimmy Stewart's performance is definitive. Essential American civic cinema.

Where to Watch

Rent