David Attenborough's Light on Earth
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David Attenborough's Light on Earth
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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 David Attenborough's Light on Earth is a nature documentary about animals that make their own light. Attenborough congenially walks viewers through recent discoveries about creatures that glow, from fireflies to worms to turtles. Attenborough also introduces viewers to some of the recent technological breakthroughs that have allowed scientists to better understand bioluminescence in nature. Some predator-prey violence is shown, and there is some brief scientific discussion of mating.
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What's the Story?
DAVID ATTENBOROUGHT'S LIGHT ON EARTH focuses on the mysterious lives of creatures that create their own light. Until recently, not much was known about bioluminescence or animals that glow. What is the light for? And how is it made? But new technology has allowed scientists to better understand these beguiling beings, from fireflies to glowworms. Attenborough and his crew catch some of these bioluminescent creatures on video and introduce them to viewers for the first time.
Is It Any Good?
This is the rare doc that narrows its focus to animals that are almost as exciting as lions or wolves, but don't get nearly as much shine. Many nature documentaries appear to have a broad scope but merely reintroduce the same animals over and over again (looking at you, flamingos). In David Attenborough's Light on Earth, the host's reliably affable presence provides a fun, accessible intro to new species and technologies, but the real stars are the glowing creatures that produce spellbinding colors. Tied together with a new understanding of how bioluminesce is created and how its used, Light on Earth is nothing short of illuminating.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about creatures that create their own light. Have you ever seen animals that glow? What are they? Where do you see them?
What are some of the ways that animals make their own light? How do they use the light to survive?
How has recent technology helped us understand bioluminescence? How has it changed our understanding of animals? What discoveries have been made?
TV Details
- Premiere date: May 9, 2016
- Cast: David Attenborough
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Bugs, Ocean Creatures, Science and Nature, Wild Animals
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: June 25, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
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Life in Color with David Attenborough
Animals use color to thrive in gorgeous nature docu.
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Night on Earth
Revelatory nature docu captures nocturnal animals worldwide.
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David Attenborough's Ant Mountain
Unique nature doc asks what we can learn from ants.
For kids who love animals
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