Hunter and Hunted (National Geographic Channel)

common sense media says

Animal attacks are too gruesome for young viewers.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this documentary series about animals' attacks on people details the factors that are contributing to an increase in animal encounters in some parts of the world. The dramatic reenactments of the attacks are often bloody; the scenes of victims screaming and moaning in pain are much too intense for little kids. But on the flip side, the show offers intriguing reasons behind the prevalence of attacks in specific locales, many of which have seen recent alterations by humans of animals' natural habitats.

Positive messages: The show offers an educational look at how humans and animals' interactions can turn deadly. Scientists research the reasons behind deadly encounters, which often result from human encroachment on the animals' habitats. The show also briefly reminds viewers that despite the attention that animal attacks receive, humans remain the world's most fearsome hunters.
Violence: Animal attacks are the name of the game, and the re-enactments are both frequent and violent. Victims are shown screaming and writhing in pain while blood flows freely from wounds. Some photos of actual injuries are shown, too.
Sex: Some beach scenes show women in revealing bathing suits, including one pretty close-up shot of a near-thong.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Hunter and Hunted

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about humans' impact on animals' natural habitats. How do people affect animals' natural ways of life through development? How are the animals forced to adapt? How is their predatory instinct changed? Why does this pose a danger for nearby humans? At what point might it become necessary to slow development for the sake of wildlife? What might happen if development isn't tempered? Families can also discuss nature preservation and conservation efforts.

What's the story?

What's the story?
In the documentary series HUNTER AND HUNTED, viewers learn about the potentially dangerous effects of encounters between humans and wild animals. The show is filmed on location around the world in areas that have seen increases in the number and ferocity of animal attacks. Using dramatic reenactments and interviews with victims and eyewitnesses, the series offers play-by-play accounts of documented attacks on humans. Scientists also weigh in with their theories on why attacks are more frequent in specific geographical areas, often providing an intriguing view on the detrimental effect that technological development can have on the animal population's habitats. Scientists also briefly touch on scenarios that present animals as humans' prey, reminding viewers that despite the attention given to wild creatures' attacks on people, most often it's the animals who fall victim to man's predatory nature.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

While the educational quality of Hunter and Hunted is high -- it offers fascinating information about animals' natural instincts and encourages viewers to look critically at the ways that humans impact animals' natural habitats and contribute to species' endangerment --the graphic nature of the reenacted attacks ensures that it's not for little kids. In many scenes, actors scream and writhe in pain as they're brutalized, and lots of camera time is dedicated to blood, scars, and amputated limbs.

Parents would be wise to preview this one even for sensitive younger teens, but families who can share it will benefit from the resulting discussions about habitat preservation and respect for nature.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: National Geographic Channel
Cast: Parker Stevenson, Salvatore Vecchio
Genre: Educational
Where to watch: National Geographic Channel

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age