Deep Ocean
By Michael Lafferty,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Visually stunning docuseries explores ocean floors.
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Deep Ocean
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What's the Story?
In DEEP OCEAN, host David Attenborough presents a three-episode series in which scientists use a variety of tools (cameras and submersibles) to dive below the light line in the ocean to discover the creatures that call the ocean floor home. Each of the three episodes takes on a new subject, from looking for ancient fish in the bottom of the Pacific Ocean to exploring the amazing luminescence of marine life to diving to the bottom of the Mariana Trench to see if life is possible at those depths. Through the use of computer-generated images, the series explores the likely evolution of certain species and how they survive in the bone-chilling and crushing depths of the ocean.
Is It Any Good?
Exploring the world far beneath the waves proves to be not only a visual treat, but an amazing educational lesson. Deep Ocean takes on three distinct scientific explorations, and while things do not always turn out as planned there are plenty of new discoveries to be made. The visuals are stunning, though there could have been less time devoted to faces looking around and better editing to show what was found. The second episode, feature the luminescence qualities of marine life, is fascinating. While the sound is generally good, the voice-over translation of the remarks by the Japanese team is lacking. But what Deep Ocean does do is explore and educate; in that regard, this is a top-drawer documentary.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk to younger viewers about what they think of the ocean and what they like about it? Does the ocean scare them, and if so, why? Do they like to go out on boats, or to fish? Would they like to dive and see some of the fish shown in this series?
Talk about the importance of learning about new things. While children may think that they get enough in school, it is important to continue to grow. What are their interests? What do they like in the world, whether it is elements of nature (like volcanoes) or animals? Once you have discovered their interests and help them explore and learn more about these things.
While education shows to promote good tools for learning, this is still considered screen time. Talk about setting appropriate amounts of time watching television, playing games, on the computer or on the phone. What else could they be doing that they would enjoy in the way of hobbies or outside activities?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 14, 2015
- Network: Max
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: History, Ocean Creatures, Science and Nature
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: May 17, 2023
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