Lemur Kingdom

What’s the Story?

Animal Planet has taken the same formula that made Meerkat Manor so compelling and applied it to ring-tailed lemurs in Madagascar. But this show doesn't have the soapy angst of its predecessor; if anything, the drama seems more Shakespearean, as two gangs of lemurs duke it out between each other -- and, in the case of the one gang, amongst themselves.

Is It Any Good?

The show works very well. Obviously, it's impossible not to compare it to Meerkat Manor. Fortunately, it's not a direct copy. LEMUR KINGDOM looks at two rival gangs rather than focusing on one. And humans are seen in this one, partly because the lemurs live so close to a tourist camp. But, ultimately, what makes Lemur Kingdom is the nature of the animals themselves.

This is compelling storytelling, with distinct characters (impressive, considering how alike they all look!). While the realities of foraging for food and dodging predators are emphasized in the narration, the fact that the actual violence isn't shown softens things somewhat. Sensitive younger viewers might find the cliff-hanger episode endings and certain lemurs' fight for survival a tad too intense, especially since this isn't fantasy. But parents can point out how humans are different from lemurs and take the opportunity to talk about what life in the wild is really like.