My Wild Backyard
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My Wild Backyard
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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 My Wild Backyard is a series of short (7-29 minute) episodes that explore the wildlife in the regions where featured ecologists, biologists, nature photographers, and filmmakers live. Each episode focuses on a certain part of the world where specific wildlife reside. Expect scenes of animals or birds hunting and fighting for territory and eating other animals, though nothing graphic is shown. There are references to mating, but nothing is shown on camera.
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What's the Story?
In MY WILD BACKYARD, the viewers are treated to intimate tours of biologists' and nature photographers' favorite places -- the ones close to their homes. From the Manyoni Reserve in South Africa to Catalina Island near Los Angeles, the guides offer a glimpse of the wildlife and environments they know best. A sea lion curiously bumps her nose against a diver's camera as they swim together in the seaweed off the coast of California. A wildlife photographer in South America captures a mother puma nestled in the tall grass with her playful cubs. A nature photographer spots foxes, herons, and owls in the salty marshes that skirt New York City. In short, there's lots to see if you know where to look.
Is It Any Good?
The hosts' intimate relationships with the places that are explored in this documentary series make it special. In My Wild Backyard, a biologist pops a camouflage-patterned tent in a nature preserve to observe the local bison. Her accent is specific to her region, and her love of "her" land is so sincere that viewers are transported to her native Mexico. And the Southern Californian filmmakers who hop on their boat before dawn to catch a phosphorescent red tide speak in a SoCal drawl that feels confidential. Their relationship to the dolphins and sea lions is made to seem friendly and familiar.
Because of the show's do-it-yourself vibe, kids will get engaged with the featured wildlife and wild places without effort. And parents will enjoy getting the locals' tour of far-flung nature preserves. No offense, Rick Steves, but these locals do know their backyards best.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about finding out about the world around us, as the filmmakers do in My Wild Backyard. Do you have the curiosity and perseverance necessary to observe any wildlife that might live near you?
In one episode, a brave host is approached by a rhino and has to climb a tree to stay safe. What have you done in your life that feels like courage?
Thanks to the hosts of wildlife shows like this one, viewers can learn about regions and animals they would otherwise never get to know. How can media help us feel closer to our diverse planet? Are there other shows or games that make you feel closer to nature?
TV Details
- Premiere date: December 3, 2020
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Ocean Creatures, Science and Nature, Wild Animals
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: September 24, 2021
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