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Edge of Existence

(Rated TV-PG, Educational, Starring Donal MacIntyre, Where to watch: Discovery Channel)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Globe-trotting adventures will fascinate families.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Cultures usually have definitive gender roles that seem antiquated but are essential to the survival of the group. The host is respectful of all cultural and religious customs and explains those that may seem foreign to Western viewers.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Occasional scenes of slaughtering animals are brief but bloody.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Edge of Existence

Parents need to know that this eye-opening documentary series is a great introduction to the world's cultural diversity. Different customs and religions are explained respectfully, casting light on the featured societies' remarkable survival skills. That said, the show is probably best suited for tweens and teens, since younger viewers won't fully understand the practices and beliefs and may well be upset by occasional scenes of ritualistic animal sacrifice.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the cultural differences among the featured societies. How do factors like geography and natural resources affect the residents' lifestyles? What role, if any, does religion play in their daily lives? Does this series offer an unabridged glimpse at life within these societies? If not, what do you think is missing? Families can also discuss the role that technology plays in life around the world. How has technology made our lives better (and/or worse)? How do the featured societies use technology to maintain their standard of living?
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