TV Details
Genre
More details

The Universe (History)

common sense media says

In-depth look into outer space is family-friendly.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that some episodes of this fascinating, well-made educational series include brief footage of natural disasters (such as San Francisco's 1989 earthquake) when addressing how other planetary bodies interact with Earth. Some language tends toward the dramatic -- like describing the sun as "violent" -- which might worry very young or sensitive viewers. Issues like global warming and other environmental issues also come up occasionally, the implications of which could frighten some young kids.

Positive messages: Teaches about the vast reaches of the universe. Somewhat U.S.-centric. Global warming and other environmental issues are discussed.
Violence & scariness: Some episodes include brief scenes of natural disasters (San Francisco's 1989 earthquake, for example), though the footage isn't graphic. The narrator sometimes describes galactic activity as "violent," etc.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: The word "hell" (referring to a place) can be heard occasionally.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on The Universe

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the appeal of shows like this one. Do they make education fun? Do you think they usually give an accurate representation of the facts? How could you find out more if you wanted to? Families can also discuss space exploration and extraterrestrial life. Do you think humans will ever live on other planets? Do you think we'll ever make contact with life beyond our planet?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In THE UNIVERSE, scientists and historians offer an eye-opening look into the cosmos, revealing the secrets of planets, stars, and other cosmic elements. Using high-tech computer graphics along with everyday analogies, this educational series helps viewers of all ages understand complex ideas and gain a better understanding of the world around us. Each episode, focusing on a single planet or entity (like Mars or the sun), uses dramatizations, footage from scientific explorations, real-world activities, graphics, and commentary from teachers and explorers to demonstrate different cosmic phenomena. For example, in the sun episode, the series examines how our home star maintains its energy source for eons; one expert uses a log campfire -- which has to constantly be fed new fuel -- to demonstrate how the sun doesn't get its energy, while another expert uses billiard balls, along with a little help from computer graphics, to demonstrate how nuclear fusion (the way the sun does get its energy) works.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The combination of real-world examples and beautiful shots -- both real and computerized -- makes this good educational viewing. But that's not to say that most kids, teens, and even adults will want to spend their Saturday night plopped in front of the tube to watch it. At 60 minutes each, episodes of The Universe can get a bit lost in the details and sometimes seem to drag on a little too long to maintain the average viewer's interest. But anyone with a particular interest in the planets and the cosmos (or with a school project about space) will find it fascinating viewing.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: History
Genre: Educational
Where to watch: History

This review was written by Sierra Filucci
 
 

Review It

 

Review The Universe





Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

MarinFan
parent
 
OK show, One episode is called "Sex in Space" So I put 12+
Some Educational Sex so it sometiimes is rated TV-14 but normally TV-PG, there is really no violence expcept many End of the Earth referances,

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
 

vote now

Will you see The Universe?


Already seen it? What do you think?

 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors


About our rating system
ON: Content is 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