Fierce Earth
Weather series is upbeat, informative, a little scary.
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Fierce Earth
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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 Fierce Earth is a kids' science series that focuses on dangerous natural phenomena like hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and wildfires. It’s upbeat and informative, but some younger kids may be scared by what they see here. The show contains archive footage of storms and major natural disasters as well as harrowing stories from people who were caught in one of these events. Loss of life is sometimes mentioned. Safety measures are discussed and recapped, too. Logos for North Face and other gear are occasionally visible.
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What's the Story?
FIERCE EARTH is an Australian science show about some of the Earth's most awesome and dangerous natural phenomena. It features climbing and adventure expert Leo Houlding, meteorologist Clare Nasir, storm chaser Mike Theiss, geologist Dougal Jerram, and ecologist and anthropologist Zoe Palmer traveling around the world to learn more about larger-than-life forces of nature. After breaking down what causes events like earthquakes, hurricanes, and fast-moving forest fires, cast members participate in simulations to experience what it's like to be caught in one of these events. Tips about safety measures and how to protect yourself are also given. Interviews with people who have survived these natural phenomena, archived footage, and colorful graphics are thrown into the mix.
Is It Any Good?
This engaging and educational series highlights both the amazing and destructive natures of some of Earth’s most awe-inspiring natural phenomena. Experts, often aided by graphics, explain the weather conditions and other variables and patterns that initiate (and sometimes prolong) these events, but they do so in ways that young viewers can understand. The cast also explains how each experiment works and actively describe what they experience during the process.
It has an upbeat tone, but Fierce Earth is still serious enough to underscore the catastrophic nature associated with lightning storms, tsunamis, and other spectacular weather-related occurrences. This, combined with disturbing images of devastation and brief mentions of casualties, may be frightening to young (and some older!) viewers. Some of the trivia is a little dated, too. But it's still very interesting and offers potentially lifesaving information for those who tune in.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the research that goes into understanding the natural phenomena discussed in Fierce Earth. What kind of expertise do you need to have to understand how weather patterns, land movements, and other elements create these events?
What can you and your family do to keep safe if you're caught in a hurricane or there’s an earthquake? What are the different things you can do to prepare for them, just in case?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 17, 2013
- Cast: Leo Houlding, Clare Nasir, Dougal Jerram
- Network: Universal Kids
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Science and Nature
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: September 20, 2019
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