Race to the Center of the Earth
Awe-inspiring adventure competition has scariness, language.
Race to the Center of the Earth
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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 Race to the Center of the Earth is an awe-inspiring competition series from the producers of The Amazing Race. The show features a lot of adventure-related scariness, though the competitors never appear to be in actual danger. There's moderate language ("butt," "hell," "crap," "sucks") and lots of bleeping covering up stronger language. Brand logos are visible throughout but not egregious, and the competitors make frequent reference to wanting to win the 1 million dollar prize. Overall, this show is a great for families with older kids to watch together.
Community Reviews
Really Enjoy but not fair amongst teams
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What's the Story?
Race to the Center of the Earth is a reality competition show in which four teams complete jaw-dropping outdoor adventures in a quest for a 1 million dollar prize. The series comes from the producers of The Amazing Race, and this has a similar framework, but with incredible geography and physical feats added in. The teams of 3 amateur athletes are co-workers: police officers, outdoor education teachers, and office-mates. In the first part of the competition, the four teams have 13 days to travel to various waypoints along their respective routes in Russia, North America, South America, and Southeast Asia. In order to get to the checkpoints, the teams have to use every kind of transportation imaginable: bicycling, horseback riding, kayaking, mountain climbing, running, and more. The second part of the competition is an all-out race to get to a floating buoy somewhere in the world, and teams get an advantage based on how well they do in stage one. Who will persevere for bragging rights and the prize money?
Is It Any Good?
This adventure series is a very fun watch for kids and their grown-ups alike. As would be expected from National Geographic, the cinematography is mind-blowingly beautiful, showcasing both natural beauty and local culture as the competitors travel through various regions. The competitors on the show are also fantastic role models for kids. The women on the teams are portrayed as brave, strong, and capable, and the men aren't afraid to show emotional vulnerability when they face challenges. The teams demonstrate impressive endurance and teamwork as they traverse challenging terrain around the world. There's no reality show drama needed- there's enough built-in dramatic tension in the incredible physical feats the teams achieve. Little kids might be over-adventured by this series, but Race to the Center of the Earth is perfect for families with older kids to watch together.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the different teams use teamwork to succeed. What are some examples of times one of the competitors was a good teammate?
The competitors have to show a tremendous amount of perserverance during the competition. Are there points during the race when you think you would have given up?
Rock climbing, paddling down rapids, and all of the other things the teams do take a tremendous amount of Courage. Do you think you could overcome your fears and try any of those things yourself someday?
TV Details
- Premiere date: March 29, 2021
- Network: National Geographic Channel
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Adventures, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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Everest: Hidden Expedition
Complex scenes offer nice challenge in race to mountaintop.
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Survivor
Plotting and scheming in paradise for $1,000,000.
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National Geographic Kids
Lots of educational content, but stuffed with ads, promos.
For kids who love nature
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