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Ultimate Guide

(Rated TV-G, Educational, Where to watch: Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Science Channel, DVD)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Go behind the scenes of science and nature.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Promotes the idea of protecting and taking an interest in wildlife (and their habitats) and other natural phenomena.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Some episodes include footage of predators hunting and killing their prey (sometimes viciously) or other potentially scary images of phenomena like lightning and volcanoes.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Some episodes include footage of animals mating.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Ultimate Guide

Parents need to know that this educational series gives viewers a close-up look at various natural and scientific topics, from birds of prey to submarines. That said, most episodes tend to focus on the lives of animals, their habitats, and the various factors that affect their environment. Content varies widely between episodes, so check detailed listings first (and consider pre-screening) before letting kids watch.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about science and nature. Why can wild animals only survive in specific parts of the world? How do factors like pollution and tourism affect an animal's natural habitat? How do man-made inventions like the submarine affect nature? How do violent phenomena like volcanoes and lightning fit into the grand scheme of nature? What can you learn from each episode?

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