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Great Migrations
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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 this sweeping nature series will inspire a new appreciation for the beauty and wonder of nature with stunning high-definition scenes that treat viewers to intimate glimpses of animals in their most natural surroundings. Although the narration never directly focuses on environmental issues, it does bring to light the changing nature of the animals’ habitats and the stress that puts on their survival. The show offers an unedited view of life at its most natural, and young kids might be upset by scenes of predators killing and eating prey or of males battling for the rights to a female. Even more, parents might not be ready for their kids to see the animals engaging in the act of procreation, which is shown in detail in some segments.
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- Kids say
Excellent for older kids, but not for younger kids.
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What's the story?
GREAT MIGRATIONS chronicles the daunting journeys undertaken by animals of every shape and size in a quest for their species’ survival. Traversing the globe and filming scenes both on land, in the air, and underwater, this stunning high-def series, which is narrated by Alec Baldwin, gets to the heart of these migratory movements, exploring the perilous circumstances that necessitate the animals’ travels and watching as they embark on their dangerous journeys. For some, it’s a quest for sustenance; for others, an age-old breeding ritual; but whatever the impetus, these creatures must overcome potentially fatal obstacles to secure the future for themselves and their young.
Is it any good?
Inspiring and beautiful in its scenery, this fascinating series brings viewers up close and personal with a diverse cast of animals on the move, including elephant seals, army ants, Mali elephants, and Indonesian jellyfish. No two tales of survival are the same, and each one will inspire viewers’ appreciation for the delicate balance of life in the wild, which lends itself to some great follow-up discussions about environmental issues like global warming and conservation.
That’s not to say the show is appropriate for everyone, however. The fact that it doesn’t shy away from showing the bad with the good when it comes to these animals’ struggles makes for plenty of tense moments and some potentially upsetting scenes of predators killing and eating prey. What’s more, segments that center on the animals’ breeding practices feature fairly graphic scenes of the act itself (animals mounting mates and noisily doing the deed), so unless you’re ready to talk birds and bees with your kids, you probably should save this one for your tweens and teens.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the environment. What challenges are we facing today regarding the environment? Why are these issues controversial? How does a changing environment affect different species of animals? What are our responsibilities to the environment?
Did you find this show educational? What did you learn from it? What, if anything, sets it apart from other nature series?
The animals in this show are forced to adapt to constantly changing circumstances. Do you ever feel the same? In what ways do you adapt to changes at home, at school, and in extracurricular activities? Does your ability to adapt make you feel stronger? Is adapting a challenge for you? How do you overcome it?
TV details
- Premiere date: November 7, 2010
- Cast: Alec Baldwin
- Network: National Geographic Channel
- Genre: Educational
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Available on: DVD
For kids who love nature
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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.