Parents' Guide to

In an Instant

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Harrowing survivor stories are scary and sensational.

TV ABC Reality TV 2015
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The docudrama showcases the harrowing experiences of people who suddenly found themselves dealing with cataclysmic events that were out of their control and briefly recognizes the events' lasting impact. It also raises questions about how some people manage to survive against all odds and the heroic efforts made by fellow survivors, bystanders, and rescue workers to help their fellow humans.

Most of the series details people's lives before a catastrophe and then contrasts those scenes with harrowing reenactments of what some people believed were going to be their final moments. It also details the agonizing minutes, hours, or days of suffering before their being rescued, which is sometimes over-the-top as the show tries to create tension. It's an interesting exploration of how one's worldview can radically change in a flash, but the lessons learned are sometimes overshadowed by the sensational storytelling.

TV Details

  • Premiere date: March 6, 2015
  • Network: ABC
  • Genre: Reality TV
  • TV rating: NR
  • Last updated: February 26, 2022

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