Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Informative documentary about migration for older kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Migrations: The Big Swim
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
As the southern seas warm in the summer, and the plankton-rich northern ocean beckons, gentle gray whales migrate north in MIGRATIONS: THE BIG SWIM. They are not alone, however, and are stalked by a pack of orcas who hunt and successfully trap the baby whale. Other animals risk this type of peril as they travel thousands of miles to find a place ot feed, spawn, or bury eggs. Whales in the Mexican waters, off the Canadian coastline; salmon traveling to Alaska and other Northern destinations are documented. There's even a leather back turtle who swims over six thousand kilometers from the coast of Canada to her native beach on the coast of Africa. Much can be learned from these traveling creatures, but can they survive the pressures humans are putting on their habitat?
Is It Any Good?
As far as nature documentaries go, this one checks a lot of boxes, but it is quite heavy on the discussion of animal sexual habits. Talking about mating or breeding comes across as kinda creepy when it's referred to as a turtle's "sex life." Why is it that their fertilization process is outlined in graphic human terms? On one hand, it's "relatable," but on the other, it's a little much for younger kid viewers.
There are poetic moments, as in the opening scene when the narrator wonders if migrating animals "follow a map born of DNA." Also lovely is the detailing of the important role decaying salmon play in nourishing the fresh-water forests when they die, tying together a great circle of life. But the gaffes regarding the "sex life" of these creatures distract -- and ultimately disappoint.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of perserverance in Migrations: The Big Swim. Can you imagine traveling thousands of miles and back just to feed? What can we learn from these animals?
The impact of human kind is affecting the wellbeing of migrating animals. What shows or books about conservation do you like? Why is learning about nature important?
Nature documentaries like this one are really informative. What other interests do you have? Why is it important to be curious about the world around you?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 30, 2021
- Network : Max
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : Animals ( Ocean Creatures , Wild Animals ) , STEM
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 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