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Orangutan Island

(Rated TV-G, Reality TV, Starring Lone Droscher-Nielsen, Where to watch: Animal Planet)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 3, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Cute, fuzzy reality stars will captivate families.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Offers insight into animal behavior and celebrates the orangutans' loyalty to each other and the efforts they make to survive in their new home. It also demonstrates how different personalities can co-exist and thrive and puts a relatable face on the victims of wilderness extinction.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Minor scuffles erupt among the orangutans for dominance within the society, but there are no lasting injuries. Some tense moments when the animals face threats from predators or intruders. For instance, an older, more aggressive intruder bullies the youngsters for their food supply.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Occasional mention of the animals' sexual maturity and desire to attract the opposite sex.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Orangutan Island

Parents need to know that it's easy to develop an attachment to the hairy stars of this reality show, so sensitive viewers of all ages may find themselves very affected by the orangutans' emotional ups and downs. And you may find yourself starting the "birds and bees" conversation with young kids after references to sexual maturity and attracting a mate. But otherwise, this engaging series -- which captures some fascinating animal behavior and draws attention to endangered species -- is great family viewing.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the show's messages about wildlife endangerment and preservation. How do things like deforestation and humans' land use affect other creatures? What types of animals, insects, and plants are being threatened? What does it mean when a species is endangered? What attempts are being made to preserve animals' natural habitats and conserve natural resources? How can people help the efforts at home? Families can also discuss how this show is similar to and different from reality shows focused on humans. Which do you like better? Why?

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Our Members Say

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See all 6 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in New Hampshire
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 0.0

    I dont understand how anyone with abrain could like this...

    Boring, overdramatic, the list goes on and on. This show is not funny, cute, OR dramatic like Meerkat Manor. Yeah, yeah, I know..orangs are endangered, meerkats are not, but frankly, I don't care if orangs become extinct...they're totally useless. I used to sort of like orangs but this show has given me insite into how they behave: Hitting each other with sticks, stealing food, beating each other up, these are only some of the things that these stupid animals do. Some people say these animals are smart...I say they are a perfect example of stupidity. Please, put your time to good use, don't watch this show.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0

    my daughter is 6.5 and she loves this show. there are many lessons to be learned about our society thru these animals and people who care for them. it sparks many conversations in our house.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in New Hampshire
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 0.0

    "Orangutans are the new Meerkats!" I DON'T THINK SO!!!!

    "Rust is the new black, and Orangutans are the new Meerkats!" What bozo wrote that dumb review? Forgive me, please, but this show is downright mediocre! I'll have you know that stupid, fat, ugly apes ARE NOT under ANY circumstances "the new Meerkats"!!!!! This so called "dramatic" show is NOT dramatic, and it's a waste of time! The narrorator stinks, the orangutans have idiotic names, and it's just a melo-dramatic spectacle. Truthfully, I'd rather watch THREE HOURS STRAIGHT OF KID NATION than this show(now, that's really saying something!)! Meerkat Manor is soooo much better! It's a mix of drama AND comedy! Long story short, this show is a piece of junk.

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in New Hampshire
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 0.0

    Meniocre Entertainment!!!!!

    When I saw the ad for this show,I thought "That Might be worth watching". It turns out I was terribly mistaken. "Orangutan Island" is a complete waste of 30 minutes. This series can not stand up to "Meerkat Manor" (AKA the best show on earth). I find the narrorators voice simply dispicable and the carachters are not cute and fuzzy like the stars of Meerkat Manor. They try to make that show dramatic, but the sad, sad truth is that show could never be dramatic in the least. I do not find this show at all entertaining, and truly beleive that it wil NOT last for two seasons. Shame on ANYONE who gives this show a good rating!

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