Weird Creatures

Review

Common Sense Media says

Naturalist offers animal education with a sense of humor.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this educational series -- which follows naturalist Nick Baker as he travels the world looking for unusual animals -- delivers its information in a way that's both funny and easy to follow. Kids used to nature shows will probably be able to take everything in stride, but some younger or more sensitive viewers may be upset by images of animal specimens and living animals hunting their prey. There's also occasional alcohol consumption (in the context of Baker sampling local concoctions) and very mild sexual innuendo that will go over kids' head.

  • Educational value3
    Viewers will learn a lot about the featured animals, as well as the way that animals and plants have adapted to survive environmental changes.
  • Positive messages3
    With its focus on animals and the environment, the show has strong eco-messages. It's frank about how animals behave in the wild, but it adds a layer of humor so things don't get too solemn.
  • Positive role models3
    Baker enthusiastically shares his love and admiration for nature while educating viewers about it.
  • Violence & scariness1
    Occasional images of animals eating their prey. Discussions also include potential dangers that an animal may pose to humans. Dead specimens of smaller animals are often shown in jars. All of this is offered within an educational context.
  • Sexy stuff1
    The host occasionally uses very mild sexual innuendoes (like feeling inadequate about having a “small” shovel) that will go over kids' head.
  • Language1
    Baker occasionally uses the word "stupid" to describe himself or some of the things he does.
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking1
    Baker occasionally samples local alcoholic brews (like Mezcal) during his travels.
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What's the story?

WEIRD CREATURES follows the adventures of naturalist Nick Baker, who travels the world looking for some of the planet's most peculiar-seeming animals. From Amazonian rainforests to the Australian Outback, Baker follows the trails of fantastic-looking creatures in hopes of seeing them in their natural habitat; scientists from New York’s American Museum of Natural History and regional local experts help him with his search. Along the way, Baker offers energetic, often amusing explanations about why these animals they look the way they do and how they continue to adapt to their environment.

Is it any good?

 

The educational series is a fun, quirky way for viewers to learn about animal species that most people know little about. It shows how animals have changed over the centuries to adapt to harsh environments and planetary changes and debunks some of the cultural myths that surround some of the more exotic specimens.

You don’t have to be an animal lover to enjoy the wide range of interesting creatures showcased here. But sensitive viewers who aren't used to frank nature shows may find the frequent images of animal specimens a little disturbing. Ultimately, though, Baker’s passion for nature comes through clearly, here, making Weird Creatures a worthwhile pick for tweens and up.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about how nature adapts to environmental changes. Have humans adapted the same way that animals have?

  • What exactly is a naturalist? What kind of education does a naturalist need to do his or her work? Do you think most naturalists get to do what Baker does?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho

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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Topics:science and nature, wild animals
TV rating:TV-G
Network:SCIENCE
Cast:Nick Baker
Genre:Educational
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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