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A Perfect Planet
By Marty Brown,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Another Attenborough epic on Earth's majesty and fragility.
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A Perfect Planet
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What's the Story?
Presented by David Attenborough, A PERFECT PLANET looks at the unique balance of natural forces that shape life on Earth. Each episode is centered around one of these monumental forces -- volcanoes, the sun, oceans, and weather. The series reveals how wildlife survives and reproduces in remote and treacherous environments, and how all of these forces of nature ultimately work together to create the only planet that is known to be inhabited by living creatures. Finally, the series looks at the youngest of these monumental forces -- humans -- and investigates the impact our species is having on the planet.
Is It Any Good?
Flamingos are one of nature documentaries' greatest hits. They show up a lot. But to see flamingos nesting on a bed of molten lava, as they do in A Perfect Planet, is truly awe-inspiring, no matter how many nature shows have featured flamingos before. A Perfect Planet is able to unveil such stunning new glimpses into nature thanks to a strong, unique point of view. The series goes to great lengths to explore treacherous environments and reveal how they contribute to the delicate environmental balance that makes Earth inhabitable. And not surprisingly, the whole thing drives to an episode about how humans are in danger of disrupting that natural balance, making it feel less like a simple documentary series and more like a gorgeous, thrilling call to action.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about nature. How does A Perfect Planet show the earth's "unique balance of natural forces"? How do volcanoes, the sun, oceans, and the weather each help create and nurture life on Earth?
What are some of the ways that animals have adapted to the dangerous aspects of nature, like extreme heat or cold? How do animals survive and reproduce in these remote environments?
Why does the last episode of A Perfect Planet focus on humans? How is this episode different from the others? What story does A Perfect Planet aim to tell overall?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 3, 2021
- Cast: David Attenborough
- Network: Discovery Channel
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Ocean Creatures , Science and Nature , Wild Animals
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
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