Common Sense Media Review
By Mandie Caroll
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Engrossing meditations on life, nature narrated by celebs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A World of Calm
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Each of the 22-minute episodes in A WORLD OF CALM features a script that explores natural and cultural insights on a theme, such as coral reefs, birds, snow, wood, noodles, etc. Each story is read by a celebrity, including Zoë Kravitz, Idris Elba, and Kate Winslet. For example, in the coral reef episode, the narrator leads viewers through the experiences of the sea life and communities that rely on coral reefs, while in the noodle episode, viewers discover the cultural and natural secrets of one family's pasta recipe. Viewers are immersed in the often-stunning visual landscapes of different world regions and the people living and working in them. Relaxation-inducing music introduces and concludes every episode, which enhances the meditative focus of the narration.
Is It Any Good?
This collection is an extension of the Calm app (and arguably an advertisement for it), but it's also unique in the streaming landscape as televised anti-anxiety medicine for a stressed-out world. A World of Calm will wrap viewers up in a safe, cozy -- albeit temporary -- audio-visual blanket, but that's about it. While it features gorgeous filming of the natural world and its inhabitants, animals and people are sometimes ascribed feelings and thoughts they probably didn't have, and celebrity narrators share only the barest minimum of facts, so go in knowing you're not watching this to learn.
The show's stranger choices can be easily forgiven, as it entices viewers to chilll out to the ethereal filming, soothing soundtrack, hypnotic narration, and avoidance of anything negative. It's a safe pick for all ages, though kids used to the excitement and tension of typical nature documentaries may find it a bit slow-moving at first, until the mesmerizing magic of the show kicks in. Is this award-winning television? Nah. Is it worth watching? Absolutely.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the people and landscapes showcased in A World of Calm. Which people really stood out to you? Which natural landscapes most impressed you? Why do you think these people and regions of the world were chosen for the series?
What emotions came up for you as you watched the show? How did your body feel? Did it put you in a meditative state? What exactly does that mean?
How is this show similar to other nature shows you have seen? How is it different?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 1, 2020
- Cast : Lucy Liu , Nicole Kidman , Keanu Reeves
- Network : Max
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : Animals , STEM
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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