 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Life Is Wild
Common Sense Media says
Blended-family show mixes drama and nature.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this drama about a blended family's struggle to find common ground in unexpected circumstances isn't a typical primetime teen soap. Even though two of the central characters are teens -- so flirting and rebellious behavior are par for the course -- they're a lot more like real kids than the over-the-top characters on shows like The O.C. and Gossip Girl. Expect to see some teen drinking (which, at least initially, occurs without consequences) and sarcastic and/or angry exchanges with parents (some of which include words like "hell," "bitch," and ass"). Note that the show takes place in South Africa, which means beautiful scenery, inspiring background music ... and some tense wildlife encounters (adult characters carry guns for protection), which could upset young viewers.
What's the story?
LIFE IS WILD (adapted from the British show Wild at Heart) follows a blended family's struggles to embrace one another and their new home. Veterinarian Danny Clarke (D.W. Moffett), decides to uproot his family from New York and transplant them to the wilds of South Africa for a year. Danny is thrilled to be working with the native wildlife instead of spoiled Manhattan pets, and he and his wife, Jo (Stephanie Niznik), hope the change will bring their four kids some sense of family unity. But that's easier said than done for the constantly bickering teens Katie Clarke (Leah Pipes) and her stepbrother Jesse (Andrew St. John) and their younger siblings: Jo's daughter, Mia (Mary Matilyn Mouser), and Danny's son, Chase (K'sun Ray).
Is it any good?
Life Is Wild is an endearing drama about the struggles to blend two families. Its setting in the wilds of South Africa gives it an aesthetically beautiful quality, and the native background music and wildlife footage are a real treats for viewers. But it's not quite a "fun for all ages" family show. Jesse's rebellious nature leads him to disobey and disrespect his parents, drink, and steal. Guns are prevalent (although they're intended for protection from dangerous wild animals), there's some teen flirting, and language can be strong on occasion ("damn," "bitch," etc.). Last but not least are some suspenseful wildlife-encounter scenes that may be too much for younger viewers.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about whether this show is more realistic than other primetime shows featuring teen characters. Why or why not? Do you think the kids on the show behave in ways that real teens might? What consequences would there be for that behavior in the real world (particularly drinking)? Why do you think some of those consequences aren't shown here? Families can also discuss the challenges of combining two families. What struggles do the Clarkes have to overcome? How are they addressing them? And, for fun, how do you think you'd react to moving halfway around the world? Would it be scary or an exciting adventure? If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
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AGE
I Love This Show!!!
I love the African Culture in this show!
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AGE
why?
How could no one watch this show. When it was cancelled I cried.
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AGE
I thought this would be a good family show
This is all about drinking, sex, and interracial relationships. So if that is what your into, this is the show for you.
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AGE
i'm the first!
I love this show! The first episode, I was addicted!! The main actress has my first name, random, I know.
The dude is so hot! This show is really good!! =]
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AGE
Good Show
Some of the content is good. Some bad.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | CW |
| Cast: | Andrew St. John, D.W. Moffett, Leah Pipes |
| Genre: | Drama |
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