Parents' Guide to

If I Were an Animal

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 5+

Gentle reality series is charming and family-friendly.

TV Netflix Reality TV 2018
If I Were an Animal Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 2+

Based on 7 parent reviews

RoRey11
RoRey11 Adult
April 28, 2021
age 2+

Condescending Narration

The videos are innocent and cute. Fun and informative like you’re at a virtual zoo. It’s a great show for young viewers. However, the narration is offensive. The little girl plays the ignorant role and the boy has to explain or correct her. It’s obnoxious and offensive even if the roles were reversed. Why can’t they take turns sharing the information and not correcting each other?
1 person found this helpful.
SallyMiller
SallyMiller Adult
October 23, 2020
age 2+

Fine but narrating is disappointing

The idea of this TV show is great and little kids love to watch the animals... by it frustrates me that the little boy narrator always answers everything or corrects the girl narrator. It’s just a show for toddlers - really sad that there’s already messaging about boys having the stronger more knowledgeable voice.
1 person found this helpful.
See all 7 parent reviews

What's the Story?

IF I WERE AN ANIMAL is a reality series that features different animals as they grow from birth to adulthood. Each episode showcases four different species with Emma (Fleur Delahunty) and her older brother Tim (Zachary Young) offering their off-screen observations and commentary as they watch different animals grow up. From a fox named Elliott to a dragonfly named Lulu, viewers join Emma and Tim as they watch different animals make their way through different milestones in their journey to adulthood.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (7 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This gentle series is a great opportunity for viewers of all ages to watch different animals grow into adulthood in their natural habitats. As the animals develop and interact with others, If I Were An Animal uses the kids' voiceover to give each animal a name, and to explain what is happening to them in very simple terms. It's not fast-paced or action-packed, but the colorful, live-action footage, coupled with the innocent banter of the siblings, makes it appealing. No doubt that young animal lovers will appreciate the chance to watch and learn more about their favorite species.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the different types of animals featured in If I Were An Animal. What are the different milestones that each young animal has to reach to survive as an adult?

  • If you were an animal, which one would you be? Why? What kinds of things would you have to learn to do? What are some of the challenges you'd face?

  • Talk about some of the various habitats these animals inhabit. How do the habitats differ? What kind of scenery did you see?

TV Details

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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 suggesting a diversity update.

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