Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
In couple's survival series, woman is the weaker sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Parents say that while some find the show educational and a great bonding experience for families, others criticize its portrayal of animal hunting and survival ethics. Reviewers appreciate the teamwork and interpersonal dynamics between the couple, showcasing valuable survival skills and promoting mutual respect, although some feel it lacks excitement compared to other survival programs.
- educational content
- teamwork dynamics
- family bonding
- survival skills
- ethical concerns
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In MAN, WOMAN, WILD, married couple Myke and Ruth Hawke are dropped into extreme environments all over the world and, with cameras rolling, must claw their way back to civilization. While Ruth is a former news anchor and field journalist with little survival experience, Myke is a military-trained survival expert who plans to teach her everything he knows. That includes the best ways to build a suitable shelter, hunt down dinner, and find the best route out of danger, among other things.
Is It Any Good?
It's hard to look at Man, Woman, Wild without comparing it to other shows like it -- and, at least in the case of Man vs. Wild, it doesn't quite measure up. Yes, Man, Woman, Wild tries to do something different by injecting a married-couple dynamic into the whole here's-what-you-do-so-you-don't-die formula. But it also makes Myke's wife, Ruth (an accomplished and intelligent woman who provides most of the show's researchy tidbits about the various locations they're living in) look like a crying, screaming ... well, girl.
At least, that's how a reflective Myke describes it at the end of one episode, when they're finally floating away from danger on a makeshift raft through the Amazon rainforest. "Despite all her girliness -- which I love," he stresses to the camera, "when it came right down to it, she was tough as woodpecker lips. And that made me love her just that much more." He meant it as a compliment, and it's actually a powerful turning point between a husband and wife who clearly have a newfound respect for each another. But equating Ruth's "girliness" with weakness kind of ruins the moment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this show compares to others like it. What does Man, Woman, Wild do differently? Does having someone who isn't a trained survivalist along for the ride make it more dangerous? Does that, in turn, make it a more entertaining show? Why or why not?
How would you describe Myke and Ruth's dynamic as a couple? What role does each play in their various adventures? Who typically acts as the leader, and why? Does the fact that Myke and Ruth are married make any difference?
Does the show uphold or defy traditional stereotypes when it comes to men, women, and the way they act in dangerous situations?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 16, 2010
- Cast : Myke Hawke , Ruth Hawke
- Network : Discovery Channel
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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
Suggest an Update
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.
See how we rate