Doomsday Preppers

Reality series combines survival tips, apocalyptic messages.
Parents say
Based on 1 review
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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 the reality series Doomsday Preppers features people who are planning for and developing ways to survive the end of the world. Guns, knives, and other weapons are frequently visible, and both children and adults are shown practicing with them. Some episodes contain strong bleeped language. Teens may find it interesting, but younger or sensitive viewers may find the discussions of impending terrorist and nuclear attacks and natural disasters scary.
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What's the Story?
DOOMSDAY PREPPERS is a reality show featuring people from all walks of life preparing for what they believe will be the end of the world. Preppers from across America are gearing up for apocalyptic events like nuclear and/or biological attacks, epic natural disasters, and the collapse of the economy, and are developing ways to survive them. From developing sustainable alternative food and water sources and practicing "bug outs" (quick escapes from their homes to safe havens), to arming themselves to ward off attacks from desperate and violent looters, these folks are committed to finding ways to ensure their long-term survival once modern civilization is destroyed. After highlighting key elements of their plans, the show's experts then rank their doomsday preparedness, and estimate how long they will initially survive based on their preparations so far.
Is It Any Good?
Doomsday Preppers offers a voyeuristic look into the world of a specific subculture, which believes that an apocalyptic event will soon end the American way of life. It offers a number of brief practical tips for things like purifying water, looking for food alternatives, and creating community-wide disaster relief plans. It also reveals the lengths to which some preppers are going to feel prepared for the inevitable, including spending massive amounts of money on stockpiling food, weapons, and escape vehicles to be used when the moment arrives.
Some folks may be inspired by what they see here, but others might find some of these folks' zeal a little over-the-top. The violent maneuvers many of these families, including children, are practicing on a regular basis are a little disturbing, too. It's interesting, but based on what is shown here, one has to wonder if these folks are spending as much of their time actually living their lives, instead of just getting ready for the end of it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the prepper community. What exactly is a prepper? Do all preppers plan for the end of the world as we know it?
What are some of the stereotypes associated with this community? How do TV shows like this one contribute to these generalizations?
TV Details
- Premiere date: February 7, 2012
- Network: National Geographic Channel
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love reality shows
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