Greensburg - TV-PG
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: Planet Green Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, John Picard, Lonnie McCollum
Genre: Reality TV
Available on: 
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Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that although this reality series -- which follows the residents of Greensburg, Kansas, as they struggle to rebuild their town after being hit by a massive tornado -- focuses on the townspeople's will to rebuild and create a model green community, there are some scary stories and frightening news footage of the tornado and the destruction it caused. The show also includes some discussion of loved ones lost during the storm. Words like "ass" are bleeped out.
Families can talk about what it takes to create a completely green community. Do you have to start from scratch, or can you make a town green after it's built? Families can also discuss surviving a natural disaster. How do people manage to rebuild their lives after they've lost everything? What gives people the will to rebuild rather than leave and find a new place to live? How does the media help people during a weather emergency? How can your family be best prepared to survive a tornado, hurricane, or earthquake?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho
After their town was wiped out by one of the largest tornadoes in U.S. history, the residents of Greensburg, Kansas, were left with little more than a will to survive and a desire to rebuild. GREENSBURG chronicles their efforts to recreate their town as a thriving eco-friendly community. With the help of eco-developers and sustainability experts like John Picard, the town comes together to build what's intended to be a model green community for both the United States and the rest of the world.
The series, which is produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, primarily focuses on the town's efforts to heal itself by concentrating on reducing its impact on the environment. But there are also some harrowing personal stories about surviving the catastrophic storm. It's very emotional to hear residents reflect on how they're coping with the loss of their homes, their livelihoods, and, in some tragic cases, their loved ones. Not surprisingly, many have moments of doubt. Some must decide whether to keep living in Greensburg, while others struggle to reestablish a sense of normalcy in their lives.
Despite these heartbreaking stories, the Greensburg residents' ability to look beyond their own loss and envision a better, more environmentally sound community makes this series worth watching. Its focus on community building and survival are also positive messages. While some of the personal stories and news footage of the tornado may be too scary for young viewers, it's an interesting -- and inspirational -- choice for older tweens and teens.
Fans may also enjoy Building Green, Big Ideas for a Small Planet, and Alter Eco.
Rate It!
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ViolenceIncludes discussions about surviving the category F5 tornado that decimated the town. Also shows potentially disturbing news footage of Greensburg after the storm and some talk about how storm victims perished. |
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LanguageOccasional strong words like "ass" are bleeped out. |
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Social BehaviorGreenburg residents promote sustainable living by building a green community. The series includes personal stories of survival, faith, and strength, with references to God and religion. The community bonds together to rebuild their town; many townspeople are understandably frustrated, as well as grieving the loss of their town and loved ones. Greensburg isn't a particularly diverse community. |
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