Family movie night? There's an app for that
Download our new mobile app on iOS and Android.
Planet Earth
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Stunning high-def series spotlights world wonders.
Add your rating
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Planet Earth
Community Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Great documentary
What's the Story?
Elephants, lions, great white sharks, Emperor penguins, polar bears, dolphins, and many more star in PLANET EARTH -- which helps explain why it took 71 camera people five years to capture the footage used in the 11 episodes. Filmed entirely in high definition and with cutting-edge filmmaking techniques that allow unique, close-up views of animal behavior, the show reaches to the remotest corners of the earth and leads viewers through the planet's harshest deserts, richest jungles, and darkest caves.
Is It Any Good?
Never before have the world's many wonders been quite as accessible as they are in this stunning nature series. In the filming process, many shots and events were captured on camera for the first time; viewers will marvel at a glimpse of the rare snow leopard (one of only 40 surviving in the wild) hunting in the Himalayas, the blue bird of paradise strutting his stuff to woo a mate, and grizzly bears bringing their newborns out into the light.
Planet Earth also uses flawless time-lapse photography to show climate and seasonal changes -- like a sandstorm in the Sahara Desert or the transformation of parched desert land in Africa into a lush feeding ground for species of all shapes and sizes. Satellite photos of Earth and high-speed cameras that preserve animals' motion round out this truly unprecedented package. Narrated by actress/conservationist Sigourney Weaver, Planet Earth will educate and inspire the whole family. Just take care to explain the basics of animal behavior to young viewers, because some scenes of creatures hunting and killing prey could upset them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what sets Planet Earth apart from other nature series. Does the high-definition footage make that big a difference? Why? Did you learn anything new from this series?
What's more exciting -- the way the show looks, or the animal behavior it presents?
What does it mean for a species to be endangered? What factors contribute to endangerment?
Compile ideas about recycling, saving energy, and other ways to help the environment. What effect do small changes like riding a bus instead of driving or taking a shorter shower have? How can people be encouraged to make little changes that matter?
How does Planet Earth promote curiosity and gratitude? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date: March 5, 2006
- Cast: Sigourney Weaver
- Network: Discovery Channel
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Science and Nature , Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Curiosity , Gratitude
- TV rating: TV-G
- Award: Emmy
- Last updated: October 18, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Best Science Shows for Kids
Best Animal Movies for Kids
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate