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Hooked (National Geographic Channel)

common sense media says

Fish-centric show is more sensational than educational.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although this fish-centric educational series includes some good information, the over-hyped narration makes it clear that the show's emphasis is on the animals' deadly predatory powers and the fight between angler and fish, rather than on science (even though most of the anglers are trying to capture the fish to study them, rather than just for trophy purposes).

Positive messages: There's a lot of talk about conservation and preserving endangered fish species, but those messages often get lost in the ramped-up narration and focus on the actual fishing events.
Positive role models: Some of the anglers are actual scientists attempting to gather information about the fish so that they can better preserve the species. 
Violence: While there's little blood, the narration goes in heavy for fighting analogies during fishing segments.  Also, the predatory powers of the various fish are heavily emphasized with violent language about killing, impaling, and the ability to rip flesh apart.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Hooked

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about whether the show successfully promotes its stated message of conservation. Does it ever glorify violence and predeation?
  • Families can also discuss whether the scenes showing the anglers fishing were actually televised or were re-enactments. Does that matter? Why?

What's the story?

What's the story?
HOOKED showcases the tales of intrepid anglers going after unusual and dangerous fish around the world -- from super-sized stingrays to great white sharks and even a vampire fish. In many cases the goal is to study the captured creatures, but other anglers are on the hunt for trophy purposes.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The show loses points for its narration, which is over-hyped. The voice over constantly refers to fish teeth as weapons, talks about the "the chomping ground," and uses a host of other hyperbolic adjectives to emphasize the predatory powers of the featured fish.

Other than that, it's mostly a show about fishing, something that's far more interesting to do that watch. Yes, it's an intense experience to feel a great white at the end of your line -- but it ain't much to look at. The show does include some solid information about the fish and their dinosaur-era antecedents, but it comes across as mostly padding. What gets the most energy is the "fight between man and fish."

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: National Geographic Channel
Genre: Educational
Where to watch: National Geographic Channel

This review was written by Anne Louise Bannon
 
 

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