Parents' Guide to I Survived Bear Grylls

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I Survived Bear Grylls TV show poster: Bear Grylls' face against green backdrop with someone holding on to a rope.

Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Lively survival simulation contest has mild peril, logos.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 8+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 13+

Based on 1 kid review

What's the Story?

Hosted by comedian Jordan Conely and Bear Grylls, I SURVIVED BEAR GRYLLS is a reality competition that features people competing in challenges modeled after outdoor adventure activities and survivalist tactics. Each episode features five contestants, all of whom believe they could do what Grylls does despite not having his experience or knowhow, attempting to complete challenges that simulate some of the things Bear Grylls has done to survive while on expeditions. After each challenge, the one who performs the worst is eliminated. The player who survives all the challenges wins $10K and major bragging rights.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 2 ):
Kids say ( 1 ):

The energetic series features diverse participants attempting to demonstrate that they have the strength and skills to survive in the wild just like Bear Grylls. From a woman who claims to be one of Grylls' biggest fans, to a man who has spent years bulking up and developing what he believes is enough mental discipline to see each challenge through, contestants attempt to climb up slippery hills, sift through animal feces-filled tanks, jump in icy pools of water, and eat things like raw ostrich eggs and ox lips to stay in the game. Granted, the challenges often seem silly compared to the real thing, especially when dishwashing liquid is used to create a slippery mountain, and stuffed toys and coolers replace animals and camping gear during the game. Jordan Conely's comments, sound effects, and CGI also add some humor. Despite all of this, the legitimate efforts contestants make to complete each difficult activity is acknowledged in positive ways.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what people need to do to survive being in the wild. Why is one's mental strength so important to stay alive, regardless of how strong you are?

  • How similar are the challenges on I Survived Bear Grylls to the things Bear Grylls has been shown doing while on expeditions? Do you think you could make it through these challenges? Why or why not?

TV Details

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

I Survived Bear Grylls TV show poster: Bear Grylls' face against green backdrop with someone holding on to a rope.

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