Life on Fire
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
In-depth look at volcanoes takes curious mind to appreciate.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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What's the Story?
LIFE ON FIRE travels to the far reaches of the Earth to study how volcanic activity affects life for the areas' resident species. From the ice-crusted volcano trail that bisects Iceland to an array of tropical island volcanoes, each episode is filmed on location where geologists and volcanologists research the area's past and present eruptions as well as how plants, animals, and humans have adapted to living near the unpredictable forces.
Is It Any Good?
Narrated by Jeremy Irons, Life on Fire offers a unique snapshot of the far-reaching fallout of volcanic eruptions, from forcing evolutionary changes in animal species to having some surprising effects on farmers' nearby crops. Even if science -- and volcanology in particular -- isn't your thing, you'll still find yourself drawn into the stories of devastation and survival by stunning scenery, witness accounts, and close-up observation of experts' onsite research.
But for all the talk of eruptions, Life on Fire is hardly bursting with action. More often minutes pass with cameras hovering over hardened lava beds or steaming hot springs rather than capturing actual volcanic activity, and the interviews are equally slow-paced. But for those who can hang in there with the methodical content, the show offers a unique glimpse at these temperamental natural wonders.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the media has changed how we learn. How do we receive information in today's culture? Are any sources more or less reliable than others? How do docuseries like this one fit into the picture? Is its content reliable?
Teens: Who is this show's target audience? How can you tell? Does it have any value for younger viewers? Does entertainment always have to be entertaining to keep your attention?
Do you find this branch of scientific study interesting? How does the volcanologists' improve people's quality of life? How does studying the past help us better understand the present?
TV Details
- Premiere date: March 18, 2010
- Cast: Jeremy Irons
- Network: PBS
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Science and Nature
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: August 10, 2022
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