Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Impressive, fact-filled show about vanishing wildlife.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Extinction: Going, Going, Gone
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
EXTINCTION: GOING, GOING, GONE is an educational documentary that looks at the rapidly changing world we inhabit. Compelling visual elements from all over the planet, with historical timelines and many facts, lend a perspective to such issues as extinction cycles, climate change, overpopulation, and disappearance of plants and animals at an alarming rate. Meteoric events are depicted, illustrating the end of dinosaur dominance and the rise of the mammal. The timeline continues to the era of humans, who start hunting prey, then domesticate choice animals, and then begin journeying to new lands. What soon becomes clear is that the diversity of life in every corner of the world has been affected by human beings-- only we have the power to reverse the course of destruction. But can we halt the damage we're doing before it's too late?
Is It Any Good?
Acutely aware of the need to relay facts, this documentary show adds beautiful and haunting visuals to make a point. In Extinction: Going, Going, Gone, the state of the planet is on display in all its glory. There are colorful birds and monkeys twittering in the rain forest, and giraffes munching leaves in the savannah. In contrast to the upbeat images are shots of fish being poisoned by acid rain, dead elephants lying next to a grieving baby elephant, or forests being razed by fire that are, well, depressing.
The narration comes off as compassionate, inspiring viewers to do their part to reverse the course of destruction. Kids will feel inspired, if a little intimidated by the facts here. Adults will feel like this educational documentary is a wake-up call. Beautifully crafted, and powerfully told, this documentary will open eyes to the precious life being lost every day.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about discussing news with kids after watching an informative documentary like Extinction: Going, Going, Gone. How do you feel when you watch news-oriented documentaries like this one? Do you like staying informed about facts?
Perseverance is a character strength needed by humans if we want to roll back climate change. What things can you do every day to help preserve our environment?
The documentary suggests planting a wildflower garden and creating an eco-system around our homes. Do you know how to garden? What videos or books do you like to access when learning about gardening?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 28, 2021
- Network : Max
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : Animals ( Ocean Creatures , Wild Animals ) , STEM
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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