TV Details
Starring
Genre
More details
See more TV reviews

Life After People: The Series (History)

common sense media says

Nature reclaims the planet in sometimes unsettling series.

parents & educators say
See all 7 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this speculative documentary series is based on the idea of people completely disappearing from the Earth. The show never delves into potential causes for this unsettling situation, but the images of empty, crumbling buildings, monuments like the Statue of Liberty, cars, and other structures could be spooky or upsetting for some kids. But since there are no people on this show, you don't have to worry about swearing, drinking, sex or any other red-flag content.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: No violence (no people!), but there's plenty of destruction as abandoned buildings, monuments, and other man-made creations crumble and collapse, often dramatically.The series' whole premise could be scary or upsetting for some kids.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Life After People: The Series

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how this show's vision of a world without people compares to that in dramatic sci-fi movies and TV series. Parents, be sure to address any worries the show might spark for kids about the likelihood of some kind of freak accident making humanity disappear. If you were one of just a few people left on Earth, what would you do, and where would you go? If nobody was around to care for them, what do you think would happen to your home, your school, and other familiar places? What would you miss most?

What's the story?

What's the story?
If everyone on Earth disappeared, what would happen to the world left behind? LIFE AFTER PEOPLE: THE SERIES shows how the planet's biggest buildings, greatest monuments, and most important works of art would all eventually decay and crumble. Some things will last longer than others; power plants would go idle in weeks, for example, but it could take more than a century for massive bridges and skyscrapers to topple. Experts explain why all of these man-made creations need people to maintain them and how wind, rain, snow, humidity, vegetation, and other forces would affect them. Bottom line? Eventually, nature will eventually reclaim everything humans have ever built.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The best parts of the show are the fascinating computer-animated sequences that show well-known edifices slowly succumbing to the inevitable. The Statue of Liberty's arm falls into the sea, the Sistine Chapel is overgrown with weeds, and the Houston Astrodome's famous roof shatters, providing a dramatic statement on impermanence. Humans may dominate the planet for now, but our tenure here accounts for just a small fraction of Earth's total history.

The show's basic message -- that without people, nature would eventually reclaim our creations -- is powerful (and sometimes quite unsettling), but it's not complex. Each segment tells the same story of the wild world overtaking the tamed. The first few times it's interesting, but after a while it gets a bit redundant.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: History
Cast: Struan Rodger
Genre: Educational
Where to watch: History
This review was written by Will Wade
 
 

Review It

 

Review Life After People: The Series

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

Tchaivoskyfan1812
kid, 10 years old
10
 
Fascinating...
Parents should note that although there are no people, many buildings are shown collapsing, as well as in some episodes that focus on animals, rather violent behaviors such as a large dog tearing about a cat (very bloody) and my sister was terrified. Know your child, but i'd rate it for 9 and up, iffy 7 and up.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
awsomewebkinzgirl
kid, 12 years old
10
 
it's scary, but i like it.
i love it. it scares me, but that's ok. i like watching it. it's my fave show.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
Lumminara
kid, 13 years old
11
 
Interesting
I watch it when im bored and some of the things that might happen without us is pretty spectacular!!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
media12
teen, 15 years old
11
 
sci-fi the best
when i watched the documentary i thought it was going to happen. but after i happen to read the article on wikipedia it was a documentary that is science fiction. and after i saw the seies i love it!!!!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
smartdude
kid, 10 years old
7
 
great show like mostof the shows on history
the pilot is the scariest episode but not that scary. i recommendit and love it im sad there isnt a season 3
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
Uxie Trixie ...
kid, 12 years old
7
 
Some what frightening at times, but great, if you can handle it.
The premise is one of a kind, and somewhat frightening. This show asks the question "What If Everyone Disappeared Tomorrow?" it doesn't ask WHY, just what if, without a trace of why or where, everyone just gone. As I said earlier, the premise is scary, but it's great, it doesn't show anyone disappearing, they're just gone, but it can get kinda sad at times, rabies killing off all the dogs, and stuff. It can get a little gross, too. But I think it's great, just watch it it's great, if you think it maybe a little too (insert problem here) of your kids, just watch it you'll see. Man was that professional, I love the Dictionary app. And my last sentence was not. (Professional that is) But I've always wanted to say that, so my bad, I guess?
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
♥Devonna♥
teen, 13 years old
8
 
I like it.
It is intresting to think what life wold be like if mankind was extinct.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see Life After People: The Series?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more TV
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
Our child development rating guidelines