Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mild animal rescue show stars colorful Kentucky woodsman.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
CALL OF THE WILDMAN is a reality series about Ernie Brown, Jr., known to the community as \"Turtleman,\" as he helps people get rid of troublesome critters from their properties. Born and raised in the backwoods of Kentucky, Turtleman uses his wilderness savvy and his bare hands to capture potentially dangerous animals like snakes, big snapping turtles, and angry raccoons. Assistant Neal James and dog Lolly Turtleman usually accompany him. Whether placing snakes in a room to eliminate mice to diving into murky, gas-filled ponds, nothing stops him from doing what he has to do in order to find, capture, and if possible, remove animals humanely from the property. After a successful catch, Turtleman releases his trademark celebratory yell, and then transports the live animals to areas where they can be let go and live safely.
Is It Any Good?
Turtleman, who became a local celebrity after a YouTube video about his turtle hunting went viral, demonstrates his unique bond with the wild, as well as his flair for tracking, snaring, and wrestling various animals and reptiles native to the area. Throughout it all, he offers some humorous commentary about his genuine affection and concern for these animals.
Some folks may find the animal rescue work featured here interesting, but viewers will most likely find Turtleman's country lifestyle, which includes no running water and an outhouse, curiously entertaining. Overall, it's the kind of show that families can tune into and enjoy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what the term "backwoods" means. What defines this kind of culture? How does the media present people who live deep in the woods without modern conveniences? What are some of the stereotypes about people who choose to live this way? Do you think these portrayals are accurate?
Why do you think Turtleman has agreed to do this show? What does he stand to gain or lose?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 30, 2011
- Cast : Ernie Brown Jr , Neal James
- Network : Animal Planet
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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
Suggest an Update
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