Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Docu offers stunning images, fascinating science.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
EARTH: THE BIOGRAPHY explores the geologic and climatic factors that shape our planet and investigates the effect of human existence on the Earth's delicate balance. Host Dr. Iain Stewart travels the world to experience the awesome force of volcanoes, the cavernous depths of the oceans, and the raw power of shifting glaciers. He also explains how the planet's unique atmosphere -- and the solar system far beyond it -- exert influence on Earth's sensitive ecosystems. Using cutting-edge cinematography, satellite imagery, and time-lapse photography, the series brings the world's most remote locations within reach as it illustrates the planet's history and helps predict its future.
Is It Any Good?
This impressive docuseries gives inquiring families plenty of reasons to tune in. From crisp, high-definition satellite images to incredible aerial photography, the show's visual journey across the planet juxtaposes one amazing sight after another as it exposes viewers to some of the world's most awesome places. Computer graphics, time-lapse sequences, and satellite imagery combine to illustrate the host's words -- showing, for example, how the flow of glaciers over the planet changes continents' topography.
That said, while the images are stunning for all ages, the series' scientific/educational content is likely too advanced for kids who don't have at least an elementary understanding of concepts like plate tectonics, climate change, and evolution. But for tweens and up, Earth: The Biography expertly combines education and entertainment and will certainly change how viewers see the world around them. It's also a great springboard into family discussions about modern-day issues like global warming and conservation.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the media can be used to teach. What did you learn from this series? How did the host make the information seem personal? What tools did the show use to explain its points? Did those tools help you understand the information? The series also inspires thoughtful discussions about conservation. Why is conservation an important issue? How do humans impact the Earth's ecosystems? What can we do to improve the planet's health?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 13, 2008
- Cast : Iain Stewart
- Network : National Geographic Channel
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : History , STEM
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate