Unnatural History (Cartoon Network)

common sense media says

Fast-paced action series is sure to please tweens.


parents & educators say
  • 64% say there are positive role models
  • 55% say there are positive messages

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there’s a fair amount of action violence in this fast-paced series about teen super sleuths. Most of it is in the form of fistfights and martial arts-style battles, but there's also some gunplay and a few deadly uses of less familiar weapons like blow darts. Some younger kids might be frightened by spooky scenes of ghosts, skeletons, and hallucinations as well. But for most tweens and teens, the show is a wild ride full of plot twists and turns that should keep them on the edge of their seats.

Positive messages: The show explores themes like friendship, dependability, teamwork, and a sense of duty. Henry and his friends always strive for the common good and usually shrug off notoriety or reward for doing what they do. The show increases awareness of the world’s diversity with clips of Henry in different parts of the globe, referencing social and environmental differences.
Positive role models: Henry and his friends always strive to do the right thing, like handing over treasure they uncover to its rightful owner. They break plenty of rules in their mystery solving, but they’re never out to hurt anyone. Henry’s uncle is tough but fair, demanding that the teens fulfill their potential but willing to admit when he’s been wrong.
Violence: Action and chase scenes often include fistfights, martial arts-style exchanges, and some weapons. In one scene, for example, three masked avengers shoot at a couple of teens. In another, a man is killed by a poison dart. There are also some spooky scenes with ghosts and the like.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Rare use of words like “butt.”
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Unnatural History

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the role that action violence plays in the show. Does it have a different impact because it's live action than it would if the show was animated? Why or why not?
  • What does the show have to say about friendship? How does friendship develop among the three teens as the series goes on? Does their experience reflect your own? How does it differ? How has technology changed how friends interact?
  • How does this show compare to other action-centric movies and TV series? How can you tell that this one is intended for younger viewers? Kids: Do you think that the shows intended for your age group are really appropriate for you? Why or why not?
  • Does world travel appeal to you? Where are some of the places you’d like to go? Why? How does experiencing other cultures change your impression of the world?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Since Henry Griffin (Kevin G. Schmidt) has spent his entire life globetrotting with his parents, their decision to send him to live with family in Washington, D.C., doesn’t sit well with his adventurous spirit. Little does he know that life in a prestigious American high school can be just as dangerous as living in the wilds of New Guinea -- Henry's worries ultimately prove unfounded, since mystery and adventure seem to follow him wherever he goes. Along with his cousin, Jasper (Jordan Gavaris), and their brainy classmate, Maggie (Italia Ricci), Henry puts his physical prowess and powerful problem-solving skills to work uncovering clues to the mysteries around him.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Impetuous Henry is a hero for any tween who longs for adventure to fall into his lap so he can tackle it head-on. When a problem presents itself, Henry leaps (often literally) into action to solve it, aided by his trusty sidekicks -- who bring their own expertise to the table. The historical nature of the show's mysteries makes them appealing to a range of ages, and parents might find themselves watching along with their tweens to see what sticky situation Henry, Jasper, and Maggie manage to resolve each week.

UNNATURAL HISTORY is a satisfying blend of Indiana Jones and Harry Potter, and there’s no question that Cartoon Network’s decision to diversify by adding this live-action mystery to its line-up was a smart one. The only hiccup is the violent exchanges -- sometimes involving guns and other deadly weapons -- between the teens and their nemeses, so younger kids shouldn’t tune in. But for tweens and up, Henry and his pals have plenty to offer, including strong messages about friendship and dependability.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: Cartoon Network
Cast: Italia Ricci, Jordan Gavaris, Kevin G. Schmidt
Genre: Action
Where to watch: Cartoon Network

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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What parents & educators say

9
Based on 11 parent & educator reviews:
  • 64% say there are positive role models
  • 55% say there are positive messages
  • 27% say violence is an issue

Most useful reviews by all members

CN_Fan
kid, 10 years old
 
Amazing show!!!
This is the best show i have seen in my whole life!

mesguy
kid, 10 years old
 
good show
i love it but it dose comeon at 8 on school nigths and 40mins but good show

 
Good show for the entire family
This is a great show for tweens, teens and adults. There is mystery and action. Mild violence ... fight scenes, no death or major injury. The relationships show that people from very different backgrounds can work together and become friends.

taymomsenfan
teen, 17 years old
 
Unnatural History is Natually Good!
I love this show! It keeps you hooked, shocked, excited, and amazed :D

catlady35
parent of 17 year old
 
TWO THUMBS UP FOR UNNATURAL HISTORY
WE LOVE THIS SHOW. THE ACTORS ARE FABULOUS AND THE WRITING IS AMAZING. GOOD CLEAN STORYLINES FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY. iTS LIKE INDIANA JONES GOES TO HIGH SCHOOL.

Jourdy288
teen, 17 years old
 
This is an excellent show!
Unnatural History is, in my opinion, the best show to hit Cartoon Network. I'm impressed by the storylines, acting, and educational value. The quality of the show is fantastic, much effort was put into it. I eagerly await a second season!

misstiffany
kid, 11 years old
 
Scary but its an AWESOME show!
I love this show! Its kinda spooky at some parts but its an amazing show :)

kdanaj
parent of 9 year old
 
Loved the show... sad it's gone.
Very sad that this show is off the air ;-(

Zara360
teen, 15 years old
 
GREAT SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE this show. I kinda envy Henry's skills though... Can't for Season 2!!!!!!

bluekangaroo13
teen, 13 years old
 
Love this show
I love this show!! its perfect for everyone over 7 and is full of mystery and action. it has great actors and is just plain awesome. I can't believe it got cancelled. I'm so mad at Cartoon Network!

cammy48
kid, 11 years old
 
11+ iffy 8-10
This my favorite live-action shgow by a long shot. Honestly none of this scares me, but I can handle more action than the average 9 year old. A few creepy scenes of skeletons, adventure peril, and one episode shows a corpse, though deaths are not extremely frequent, in fact I think it gets it TV-PG-V rating from the creepy scenes. Overall ,it is awesome.

Miranda ...
kid, 11 years old
 
I like this show!
I like this show! very good messages!

undergurl
kid, 12 years old
 
Okay I love the show! I hoep they com out with a 2nd season but I also suggest tower prep

shanghaiang
parent of 9 and 12 year old
 
My daughters LOVE this show. Perfect for Third Culture Kids.

ocie14
teen, 14 years old
 
Me Like.
This show is fun to watch. It's kinda violent but theres no blood or anything, just action. I like it.

arthur16morgana
teen, 16 years old
 
amazin show
i love his show! its amazing! love the action in it. really entertaining

smileyfacelover
teen, 16 years old
 
I <3 this show
I LOVE this show! :D I think some of the show can get a little cheesy, but the main story line is amazing! The action is better than most other shows and overall I give it 10 stars :)

hagrid21
kid, 13 years old
 
Great History Action Show
Great show! I didn't have high expectations for it, but I watched it On Demand and was surprised! Only concern is action...occasional martial arts battles, gunfire, and fistfights. Frightening scenes, too. Occasional crap or fri**in

 
All age appropiate above 12
This is a show I pray makes a second season. I saw it by accident and was instantly hooked. Cute, funny, and nothing to keep kids from watching. Thanks CN

tariq1919
kid, 12 years old
 
THIS IS AWESOOOOOME
this might have some spooky stuff like a person with one eye off but not in the disgusting way like as if he put clay on it so nothing to worry about but its AWESOME SO JUST WATCH IT WHEN YOU SEE IT

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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