Greensburg (Planet Green)

After their town was wiped out by one of the largest tornadoes in U.S. history, the residents of Greensburg, Kansas, were left with little more than a will to survive and a desire to rebuild. GREENSBURG chronicles their efforts to recreate their town as a thriving eco-friendly community. With the help of eco-developers and sustainability experts like John Picard, the town comes together to build what's intended to be a model green community for both the United States and the rest of the world.

The series, which is produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, primarily focuses on the town's efforts to heal itself by concentrating on reducing its impact on the environment. But there are also some harrowing personal stories about surviving the catastrophic storm. It's very emotional to hear residents reflect on how they're coping with the loss of their homes, their livelihoods, and, in some tragic cases, their loved ones. Not surprisingly, many have moments of doubt. Some must decide whether to keep living in Greensburg, while others struggle to reestablish a sense of normalcy in their lives.

Despite these heartbreaking stories, the Greensburg residents' ability to look beyond their own loss and envision a better, more environmentally sound community makes this series worth watching. Its focus on community building and survival are also positive messages. While some of the personal stories and news footage of the tornado may be too scary for young viewers, it's an interesting -- and inspirational -- choice for older tweens and teens.

TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: Planet Green
Cast: John Picard, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lonnie McCollum
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: Planet Green