The Alaska Experiment (Discovery Channel)

In THE ALASKA EXPERIMENT, four groups of adventurers shun the conveniences of city life and head to the wilds of Alaska to test their basic survival skills. The participants -- a married couple, a trio of friends, and a father and his two adult daughters -- brave the elements for three months armed with only a meager food supply, some simple tools, and a rudimentary shelter. They must push their bodies and their minds to the limit as the weather turns frigid and food gets scarce -- and some are forced to re-evaluate their commitment to this adventure of a lifetime.

There's something enticing about watching people battle nature's challenges -- especially when you're watching from the comforts of your own couch. For viewers who enjoy adventure-bound reality TV, this series has a lot to offer: stunning scenery, raw emotion, and personal triumph.

The flip side? The constant references to the life-threatening nature of the weather, food shortages, and unpredictable wildlife could frighten young or sensitive viewers. Likewise, kids won't understand the reasons behind participants' emotional outbursts and heated exchanges. There's a fair amount of salty language (mostly "hell" and "ass"), too, so it's probably a more age-appropriate choice for older tweens and teens. Even then, be prepared to answer questions about life and survival tactics in the wild.