Birth of the Solar System

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Birth of the Solar System
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.
Suggest an 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 Birth of the Solar System is a documentary about our solar system, how it came to be, and the monumental changes that have happened over an extremely long period of time. For those who want to learn more about Earth's little corner of the universe, Birth of a Solar System is an accessible and insightful documentary that goes beyond the basics while also focusing on scientific process and discovery.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
BIRTH OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM reveals that Earth's corner of the universe wasn't always just a series of nine planets, placed neatly in order, revolving around the sun. The documentary outlines the massive and chaotic events that had to take place in order to create the solar system, as well as the research and discovery that allowed scientists to understand them.
Is It Any Good?
The basic layout of this corner of the Milky Way (the sun, gravity, the order of the planets) is well known, but this is an educational documentary that could seismically shift viewers' understanding. Going well beyond the basics, Birth of the Solar System makes sense of the cosmic chaos that preceded life on Earth, and unpacks the scientific process behind that knowledge.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about our solar system. What do you know about the planets? The stars? The universe beyond our solar system? What new things did you learn from the documentary? Did it change the way you think about the universe?
What were some of the defining moments in the creation of the solar system? What are some examples of times when the solar system didn't look like it does today? How did the changes happen?
How do the individual planets differ from one another? Why do these differences exist? Which planets are the most interesting to you? Why? What is your opinion about Pluto? Planet or nah?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 1, 2018
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Science and Nature, Space and Aliens
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: August 4, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love documentaries
Themes & Topics
Browse titles with similar subject matter.
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