Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Survivalist competition is about teamwork and being smart.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
The reality competition series GET OUT ALIVE WITH BEAR GRYLLS features 10 duos of best friends, married couples, and parents with their adult children trying to survive in extreme environments for a cash prize. Man vs. Wild star Bear Grylls sends the teams on a series of wilderness journeys around New Zealand that requires them to hike, find food, and survive the elements. Grylls observes each team during their treks, and judges them on their contributions to the entire group, as well as their ability to make smart decisions that will help them survive. He also sets up challenges that can earn teams extra food and other luxuries, and that will keep them safe from elimination. After each journey is completed, Grylls eliminates the team that, based in its performance, will be the least likely to survive in the wild. The last team remaining wins $500,000.
Is It Any Good?
Unlike eco-races like 72 Hours, the way to win this game is to actually demonstrate that you can survive in the wild by thinking smart and using the resources available to you, even if they don't look, feel, and/or taste good. Meanwhile, the challenges that Grylls pose are actually teachable moments, designed specifically to show contestants and viewers ways to make it out of the wilderness alive.
Get Out Alive is as much about Grylls and his talent as it is about the people who are competing. Meanwhile, some of the techniques he showcases (like drinking purified urine to stay hydrated) aren't easy to watch. But there is definitely a lot to learn. Wilderness fans will certainly enjoy it, but even those who are less inclined to participate in any sort of outdoor adventure will find it both educational and entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what they can do if they unexpectedly find themselves stuck in the wilderness. What are some of the things you should do? Not do? Do you think this show might teach you some helpful tips?
Do you think this show depicts what it's really like to survive in the wilderness? What kinds of things are highlighted for entertainment's sake?
What drives survivalists to do what they do? What are some of the most famous survivalists featured on TV and films over the years?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 8, 2013
- Cast : Bear Grylls
- Network : NBC
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : STEM
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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