Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Contestants fend for themselves in slow survivalist show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Alone
What's the Story?
ALONE is a reality series about 10 trained survivalists from across the United States who go into the wilderness to see if they can outlast each other to win $500,000. With only their clothing and a kit of 10 items, each person is dropped off somewhere very remote. Without a film crew, each must self-document their experience with the help of motion-activated cameras and personal recording devices while living in complete isolation. From trying to build a fire in the wet forest to keeping safe from bears, cougars, and wolves, each person tests their mental and physical strength in hopes of lasting longer than the others. The contestant who remains in the wild the longest wins the cash prize.
Is It Any Good?
It's your basic survival competition, but what sets this one apart is its focus on the contestants' candid commentary about how they feel as they try to make it through each day alone. From airing their frustrations about their circumstances to trying to get a grip on their fears and loneliness, all the Alone contestants share their thoughts about what they're going through and the reasons why they may or may not choose to stick it out.
Outside of a few details displayed on the screen by the show's producers, the series doesn't offer a lot of survival advice. Meanwhile, despite efforts to increase the drama with the help of music and well-timed commercial breaks, the show can be a bit slow going. But if you like outdoor reality adventure, you'll probably find this entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the reasons people choose to go on survivalist outings. Is it to prove something to themselves (or others)? To challenge themselves? Or is it just plain fun? What benefits and challenges do these contestants talk about? Do you think these folks would go on this journey if it were not for a TV show and a prize?
Have you ever had a dangerous experience in nature? Did it change the way you felt about the natural world?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 18, 2015
- Network : History
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : January 11, 2025
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