Born to Explore
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Cultural field trips are inspirational for families.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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What's the Story?
Lifelong adventurer Richard Wiese brings his love of nature and diverse cultures to the TV screen in BORN TO EXPLORE, a travel series that takes him to the far reaches of the globe to study people and new places. Wiese and his crew explore remote corners of Australia, North America, and South America, learning about the areas' history from experts and local residents, experiencing their cultures firsthand, and finding inspiration in their symbiotic relationships with the nature that surrounds them.
Is It Any Good?
For renowned outdoorsman Wiese -- who counts among his many achievements 18 trips up Mount Kilimanjaro -- this series illustrates his passion for sharing the world's diversity with people of all ages. It moves at a slower pace than most reality/adventure shows, giving viewers a chance to really take in the scenery and culture as it's seen through the eyes of the people who live there and to better understand the relationship between humans and nature.
Because this show is designed to appeal any age group, families can use it as a springboard to adventures of their own that incorporate its themes of diversity, cultural awareness, and environmental responsibility. If you are tuning in with very young kids, you may find yourself answering questions about customary dress, language, and lifestyle that is unfamiliar to them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about diversity. How do shows like this one inspire respect for people who are different from you? What did you learn about other cultures from watching this show? What aspects of your life are similar to those of the subjects of this episode?
Kids: Do you think TV can be educational? Which shows do you watch that teach you things? How has technology changed the way we learn? What role does the media play in our education now?
Kids: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? What would you like to see or experience while you're there? Would you need to learn a new language to communicate? How might the experience change your view of your own culture?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 3, 2011
- Cast: Richard Wiese
- Network: ABC
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Adventures, Science and Nature
- Character Strengths: Curiosity, Empathy
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: October 14, 2022
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.
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