 | 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. |
Scout's Safari
Common Sense Media says
Fish-out-of-water drama mixes animals, issues.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the main character of this tween-friendly fish-out-of-water drama has to overcome plenty of relatable challenges -- with a twist (like rescuing her history homework from a hungry elephant!). The show addresses real issues, from conservation to racism, with a serious but light touch.
What's the story?
In this interesting take on the "new kid on the block" scenario, teenage Scout (Anastasia Baranova) isn't just new to the neighborhood, but to the entire continent. Sent from New York City to South Africa to live with her mother and stepfather, who run a safari lodge, she's confronted daily with new situations and challenges, from the comic (an elephant eats her history notes) to the serious (a friend is embarrassed and angry when Scout shows up uninvited at her home in a poverty-stricken squatters' settlement).
Is it any good?
The show takes on weighty issues, but handles them with a deft touch so that viewers won't feel they're being preached at. For example, pieces of South African history are introduced as Scout struggles to prepare for an important test, and a friend helps her see parallels between the history of South Africa and the United States. Encounters with wildlife, like the dramatic rescue of an orphaned lion cub, add drama and excitement.
The conclusions to conflicts can sometimes feel treacly and a little too easy. Still, it's nice to see social issues addressed at an appropriate level for this age group -- and refreshing to find a children's TV series set somewhere other than the United States. The cast is multiracial, although the focus is primarily on the white characters. Scout herself is intelligent and likeable, if a bit bland. But the show's interesting setting makes up for that. If you have a half hour to spend, this show is a worthwhile investment.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the issues raised by the show. What did you learn from watching? How can the media help us learn about what's going on in other countries -- and how can we apply what we learn here?
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AGE
Great show, miss it.
I really liked this show when I was younger and I'm sad it couldn't be continued due to budget reasons. Also it seems they're no longer airing it. If by chance you do happen to see it on tv or online, I recommend it. Lots of animals, lessons learned, and friendship. I put in the violence because I recall an episode where they were dealing with poachers. I feel it's important that the act of poaching is explained to your kid whether you agree with it or not.
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| Topics: | wild animals |
| TV rating: | TV-Y7 |
| Network: | The Hub |
| Cast: | Anastasia Baranova, Chantelle Stander, Freedom Hadebe |
| Genre: | Drama |
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