Parents' Guide to Discovery Atlas

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Common Sense Media Review

Emily Ashby By Emily Ashby , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Stunning multimedia view of world's diversity.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

DISCOVERY ATLAS is a beautifully crafted documentary series that transports viewers to distant lands and introduces them to the diverse cultures, rich heritages, and natural beauty of 20 of the world's amazing countries. The extensive project paints multi-dimensional portraits of life around the world by featuring in-depth interviews with real-life people who exemplify the cultural, recreational, and socio-economic diversity within each country. As the cameras capture the subjects' day-to-day lives, a narrator (usually a celebrity like James Spader, Russell Crowe, or Isabella Rossellini) discusses the historical events that have led to the citizens' current situations. For example, the installment that focuses on China introduces viewers to a billionaire entrepreneur, an aspiring Olympic gymnast, a kung fu master, and a rice-farming family, who through translators discuss their family lives, economics, and aspirations. Their diversity is testament to the challenges of the world's largest country, which struggles to maintain balance between its ancient history -- as explained throughout the show -- and its potential as a world leader in the near future.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

This series combines stunning cinematography, expert narration, and striking graphics in a captivating, multimedia experience that's a great choice for family viewing. Parents and kids -- grade-schoolers and up -- will enjoy learning more about these fascinating countries together while watching Discovery Atlas.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the various cultures portrayed in Discovery Atlas. How are people's lives different in other countries? How are they similar? In what ways have the influences of other cultures affected the United States?

  • Families can also discuss traveling abroad. If you could visit any other country, which would it be? Why? How would you prepare for your trip?

  • How does Discovery Atlas promote curiosity and empathy? Why are these important character strengths?

TV Details

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

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