Africa

A seven-part series that took four years to make, this documentary series is a fascinating visual tour of a continent with secrets around each corner. Every animal species, every cavern, every watering hole has a story to tell about how the land evolved and its inhabitants adapted, often in environments so harsh that each day poses a new test to their survival. As in Life, there are many firsts documented here, which is testimony to the cutting-edge technology that allows the crew to observe the subjects' behavior without disruption but also inspires new questions about the many mysteries of the wild that still exist.

Africa accomplishes precisely what Life did before it; it makes learning about the world just as fun as tuning into a favorite TV series. The show has it all: drama, comedy, romance, and even some sweaty-palms moments when the stars' fates hang in the balance. Not only will your family enjoy the stories as you watch them unfold, they'll also retain a lot of what they see and hear because of the quality of its presentation, which makes this a fantastic option for watching together. Just be sure your youngsters are prepped on what it means to be an animal in the wild so they won't be surprised by the predatory hunting and the occasional mating ritual.