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Up Close and Dangerous

(Rated TV-PG, Educational, Where to watch: Animal Planet)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Animal-encounter tales may scare the very young.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The show raises awareness about wildlife and the respect that animals demand. It repeatedly reminds viewers that you can't blame animals for their primal instincts in defending their territory.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    While little direct violent contact between animals and humans is shown, there are some scary scenes of animals attacking each other and charging at the camera.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Up Close and Dangerous

Parents need to know that this wildlife show features potentially frightening stories about dangerous encounters with wildlife, as told by the filmmakers who survived them. Film footage accompanies the tales, and although the actual attacks aren't usually shown (if they are, they only show the victim being banged around a bit), there are some intimidating shots of charging animals, gaping jaws, and menacing teeth. This definitely isn't one for young viewers, and parents will probably find themselves explaining a lot of animal behavior to grade schoolers (as well as reminding them never to approach wild animals or domesticated animals without the owner's say-so).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about wildlife behavior. How do animals defend themselves? How do they defend their families and territories? How do filmmakers safely enter the animals' habitats to observe them? What can you learn from their stories? Why is it important to understand animal behavior? Why shouldn't you approach wild animals?

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