Parents' Guide to

Down to Earth with Zac Efron

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Celeb's eco-travels more entertaining than informative.

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Down to Earth with Zac Efron Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 6+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Mombat
Mombat Parent of 10-year-old
November 29, 2022
age 9+

Curious, Respectful Hosts Show Better Ways to Live on Earth

My 10 year-old granddaughter and I absolutely love this show. In it the two hosts travel to places to show positive ways of interacting with the earth and others. I realize the show has been knocked for being superficial or making statements that are unsupported by science and that may be valid. But what we see are two people who are curious, respectful of other cultures and who show some better ways of living on this planet. The cinematography is gorgeous, highlighting unusual places that we are unlikely to ever visit (especially in season 2’s Australian episodes). It even gets silly sometimes but it is engaging for kids and offers many opportunities for extended conversations. To me that places it far above most of what is offered to kids and their adults.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
DoggoTamer
DoggoTamer Adult
August 17, 2020
age 2+

lol why you even putting this at 11+??? age 2 and up, and i would put it lower if infants had long term memory.

lol

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

DOWN TO EARTH WITH ZAC EFRON is a documentary series starring actor and singer Zac Efron and self-proclaimed wellness expert and author Darin Olien as they travel around the world to learn how climate change is impacting the planet, and how different communities are making healthier, planet-friendly choices. From traveling to Iceland, where they learn how to bake bread in the volcanic hot springs, to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where they see how efforts are being made to sustainably rebuild after Hurricane María, the duo learn how people in different parts of the world are trying to live healthy, sustainable lives amidst the ongoing environmental changes impacting the planet. While there, they take some time to enjoy some of the food, wine, and attractions each area has to offer. Appearances by people like actress Anna Kendrick, controversial San Juan mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz, and chef Jose Andrés also add to each experience.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (1 ):

This interesting but somewhat superficial travel documentary tries to make a connection between wellness, climate change, and using the resources we have around us to live better lives. New initiatives, as well as ongoing global projects designed to lessen human impact on the environment, are highlighted. It also reveals some of the smaller, more environmentally friendly efforts individuals are making to improve the lives of the people in their communities. Throughout it all, the hosts ask lighthearted questions and briefly comment on what they've seen, tasted, and experienced.

The message in Down to Earth with Zac Efron about the importance of finding ways to improve our well-being by living sustainably and protecting our natural resources is a positive one. But the discussions lack depth, and Darin Olien frequently uses the opportunity to share non-science-based advice and promote his book and wellness services. The obvious promotion of specific businesses in each location is also hard to ignore. As a result, it's not the most informative of series, but Down to Earth with Zac Efron is entertaining enough to watch.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Down to Earth with Zac Efron connects ideas about wellness with information about climate change. What does one have to do with the other? Is the relationship between the two clear throughout this series?

  • This series raises awareness about the impact of climate change on people's lives. What are some things you can do locally to help your own community?

TV Details

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