Ambient Swim

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
Series poster.

Common Sense says

age 14+

Creative shorts designed for relaxation, some drinking.

HBO Max Music Videos 2022
Rate TV

Parents say

age 14+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 1 review

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate tv
  • Lofi accompanies surreal image.
  • Watching t.v.
  • Green light imagery.

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Ambient Swim is a series that combines digital animation, video, music, and acoustics in ways that are designed to help people relax, focus, or study. Some of the videos feature surreal imagery and colorful kaleidoscopes with bright lights that some may find uncomfortable to watch. On occasion drinking is visible, and occasionally things silently explode. One video features animation that resembles popular cartoon characters, But the overall series is quiet and creative, and will potentially appeal to viewers looking for something to tune out with.

Community Reviews

VATeacher
VATeacher Adult
May 9, 2022
age 14+

Calming Music, Videos distracting

I am a teacher in VA but live in MD. Watching the first video, some were good, some are not school appropriate. The music though does put you in a calm state of mind. Playing the music during student work time without showing the video will work best if you can stream it in your classroom. I played it on a Monday morning and it did bring me into a good head space for the day.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

AMBIENT SWIM is a streaming series designed to help people relax. Each half-hour installment features hand drawn digital animation that is paired with selections of music to help you clear you mind, study, or just calm down. From low fidelity, downtempo beats paired with 8-bit animation, to a quiet montage sequence of old video images accompanied by music and a narration by comedian Joe Pera, each episode is designed to help folks relax in its own unique way.

Is It Any Good?

From video game-style animations to simple videos of clay pots and coffee pots, Ambient Swim is designed to create a viewing and listening experience that will allow people to relax their minds. Each video offers its own beats and creative approach, but all of them are produced in a way that looks and sounds mellow in its own way. Some may like to tune in for background sound and imagery to accompany them as they do other things. Others may find it to be a useful treatment for insomnia.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the creative ways people combine video imagery with different sounds. Which one of these videos do you like the best? Why?

  • Do you find Ambient Swim relaxing? Can you study or focus on a task while streaming it?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: February 28, 2022
  • Network: HBO Max
  • Genre: Music Videos
  • TV rating: TV-14
  • Last updated: May 1, 2022

Our Editors Recommend

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate