If I Were an Animal
Gentle reality series is charming and family-friendly.
Parents say
Based on 7 reviews
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If I Were an Animal
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that If I Were An Animal is a family-friendly reality series featuring animals growing into adulthood. There are some references to eating other animals, but the overall series is more focused on how different species -- from gorillas and cheetahs to hamsters and dogs -- explore and develop. It's a solid viewing choice for young animal lovers, and can help kids gain an understanding of some science and biology basics. It might be a bit too slow for very young children.
Community Reviews
Condescending Narration
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Fine but narrating is disappointing
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What's the Story?
IF I WERE AN ANIMAL is a reality series that features different animals as they grow from birth to adulthood. Each episode showcases four different species with Emma (Fleur Delahunty) and her older brother Tim (Zachary Young) offering their off-screen observations and commentary as they watch different animals grow up. From a fox named Elliott to a dragonfly named Lulu, viewers join Emma and Tim as they watch different animals make their way through different milestones in their journey to adulthood.
Is It Any Good?
This gentle series is a great opportunity for viewers of all ages to watch different animals grow into adulthood in their natural habitats. As the animals develop and interact with others, If I Were An Animal uses the kids' voiceover to give each animal a name, and to explain what is happening to them in very simple terms. It's not fast-paced or action-packed, but the colorful, live-action footage, coupled with the innocent banter of the siblings, makes it appealing. No doubt that young animal lovers will appreciate the chance to watch and learn more about their favorite species.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different types of animals featured in If I Were An Animal. What are the different milestones that each young animal has to reach to survive as an adult?
If you were an animal, which one would you be? Why? What kinds of things would you have to learn to do? What are some of the challenges you'd face?
Talk about some of the various habitats these animals inhabit. How do the habitats differ? What kind of scenery did you see?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 11, 2018
- Cast: Zachary Young, Fleur Delahunty
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Cats, Dogs, and Mice, Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Curiosity
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: June 7, 2022
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