Is It Real? (National Geographic Channel)

Scientific experts, eyewitnesses, and believers on both sides of the fence discuss evidence in age-old mysteries that continue to garner speculation today in IS IT REAL? The show takes on cultural and scientific legends like crop circles, vampires, ghosts, Bigfoot, and the lost city of Atlantis. Forensic experts, statisticians, and even psychic investigators offer scientific evidence to both support and discredit the legends, while eyewitnesses weigh in with their own fascinating stories.

While the series never arrives at cut-and-dried answers to these legendary quandaries, the process by which the scientists arrive at their individual conclusions offers an intriguing look at practical science. For example, in an episode dedicated to Bigfoot, a fingerprint expert discovered that one mysterious footprint contained friction ridges much like the lines that make up humans' fingerprints, leading him to believe that a hoax with such fine detail was unlikely. However, a primate expert disagreed, showing that through a simple process of making a print of his own foot in silicone and soaking it in paint thinner, he could stretch it to a much larger size while maintaining its general appearance.

The show's combination of enticing mystery, persuasive evidence (both for and against the stories' truth), and first-hand accounts makes for well-balanced, captivating entertainment. But inquiring minds beware -- you won't find any clear-cut answers to these age-old questions here. In the end, you're left with your own opinions and the pieces of evidence that resonate with you. Both intriguing and a great example of science in action, Is It Real? is an excellent choice for family TV viewing -- provided that your kids are old enough to separate reality from conjecture. Even then, you may find yourself explaining what's science and what's supposition.