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Survivorman (SCIENCE)

common sense media says

Meet a real survivor; tweens and up.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that each episode of this show focuses on the host's ability to survive in extreme conditions -- such as in the desert or on a mountaintop -- for seven days with no food, water, or equipment. While adults will understand that he'll undoubtedly make it back to civilization, young viewers might find the challenging conditions stressful or even frightening.

Positive messages: Teaches the importance of being prepared. Stroud models the necessity of relying on your skill and wit when faced with a challenge.
Violence: Some moderate peril as the host battles the elements and sometimes-rough terrain.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Survivorman

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about survival tactics. How can you get by for a week with no food or water? What about shelter? How do seemingly safe trips -- like camping or river rafting -- turn dangerous? Has there ever been a situation you wondered how you'd get out of? What did you do? Have you taken any training to prepare for dangerous situations (first aid, self-defense, wilderness training)? Would you like to? What would you do if you found yourself in one of the situations featured on the show?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In SURVIVORMAN, veteran outdoorsman Les Stroud films himself as he spends a week escaping the latest remote locale in which he's purposely stranded himself. In each episode, the affable Stroud is dropped by helicopter with only the clothes on his back, his camera equipment, and possibly an energy bar or a pack of gum (i.e. what regular hikers might have with them in a similar situation). Without food, water, or equipment, he must use his smarts and instinct to survive a week alone. This involves finding sustenance and shelter -- as well as traveling over rough terrain to safer ground.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Some of the situations Stroud finds himself in can be perilous, but he knows what he's doing, and most kids should be able to handle it. Ultimately, Survivorman has all the hallmarks of a good reality show, including a friendly host, suspenseful situations, and resolution by episode's end. But it goes a step further, teaching viewers about nature and how you can survive without the comforts of home. Parents looking for tween-friendly fare can feel good about tuning in.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: SCIENCE
Cast: Les Stroud
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: SCIENCE
Watch our review
This review was written by Lucy Maher
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Knuckle Curve
kid, 12 years old
17
 
Bad Show
He kills animals! We should put animals on welfare!
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (5)
Plague
parent
8
 
One of my favorite shows in TV history.
I adore this show. I am a HUGE outdoorsmen and Les Stroud is one of my role models. Everytime this show is on, I stop everything im doing just to watch it.
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (4)
coolrad
parent of 3 year old
17
 
Horrible Show
He kills snakes and other animala.He sometimes uses the word butt.He might give kids ideas to run away,and that is also not a good role model.
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
Gleek13
teen, 15 years old
 
ok..
my teacher shows us this in school and it is ok. nothing bad in it except occasionly killing animals. ok for 9+. m not really the biggest fan of this show but some people may like it. i would say try 1 episode and if u like it u will probably like the show but if not then probably not.
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (2)

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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