Parents' Guide to

Nature

By Robin Galguera, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Stunning glimpses of our natural world.

TV PBS Educational 1982
Nature 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 15+

Based on 1 parent review

eahill5
eahill5 Adult
March 25, 2016
age 15+

American Mountain Lion

I just saw your Show on the lives of 2 Mountain Lion Families being "monitors" by a "Loving Researcher dedicated to understanding WHY Mt. Lions are on the decrease in the Northwest. Well, in addition to HUNTING, there are ONE too many Researchers. In that one Show, I think 7 ...., SEVEN, seven Mt. Lions that died. Some killed by accidents of Nature, like falling into water and freezing to death. Most from starvation and one from killing by another Lion. I just WONDER ... might those Data Monitoring Collars have any affect on their Survival. You know, it's possible that: - Those collars get in the way of their ability to "root" Ground Hogs or Rabbits from their burrows.,? - Getting your head and Neck stuck in a Tree with those collars. - Just "looking different" than the "normal" in an unfamiliar way, to other Lions. - Maybe "RADIO WAVES" generate a vibration that other Lions and Animals can sense, thereby making them something to be warry of or eliminated. - Maybe the "handling" by Humans leaves a scent longer than humans know or think. - I JUST Wonder ... HOW MANY of those SEVEN LIONS might have SURVIVED if they'd been LEFT ALONE. While I despise "murdering" or Hunting as its called any Majestic "Free Animal", the "Research" in some cases( like this one), cause MORE HARM. I consider it unbelievable "Selfish and Ignorant" to do what I just saw on TV tonight. If someone is going to intervene in the Lives of any Animal by "making them both different & disabled" with Radio Collars around their Necks, they should Ensure their Survival ..., yes, even to extend their DISRUPTION of the Natural course of Life by FEEDING THEM. I can't explain the Pain I feel for these Beautiful Majestic Lions being RESEARCHED to the point of extinction at a "greater rate" ... in this Example..., than Legalized Murder.., called Hunting.. This is the 21st Century. If technology isn't available to "design" monitoring methods better than these Large "cans". that are hung" around the Neck, then spend TIME DESIGNING something that won't be seen BEFORE You call it Science and "disable" a Lion with it. What do you and others think when a person (human beings) walks into a Room with a HUGE COLLAR of Steel and Tape Wrapped around their Neck.?.. while it generates a vibration that you can sense ALL THE TIME YOU ARE NEAR THEM...? I've got to shut-up and go back to Sleep... or Try to..., but those images just won't let me Sleep. PLEASE "Feel" ....BEYOND YOUR THOUGHTS and PUT YOURSELF IN THE SAME SHOES...as these Lions. I'll look for You in Your Collar of Steel, Wires and Tape at the Grocery Store, Chic Fil A and Golf Course real soon. It might be REAL HOT, so take that Collar thing off your Neck. It might get in the way of your comfort and performance. You know "they" think you're STRANGE with "that thing" on your Neck. Leave those Kids out there somewhere too. Big Fred said "Next time he sees You or your Kids wearing that thing he's gonna YANK IT OFF YOUR Neck one way or the other. Good night...!!

This title has:

Too much violence
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What's the Story?

NATURE is one of PBS' longest-running series for good reason. Unlike other PBS science series, Nature focuses not on inventions or innovations but on the natural world itself, inviting viewers to travel all over the world with scientists and filmmakers. Subject areas including biology, geology, and meteorology are explored via beautifully filmed documentaries shot in locations most of us will never see. In presenting a comprehensive look at its subjects, Nature highlights the positive (animals' family and community life) but doesn't shy away from the ugly. Graphic images of animals being slaughtered can crop up.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

This series covers an amazing variety of topics that are fascinating, beautiful, scary, and sometimes just downright cute. While most episodes have some sort of message, it's never heavy-handed and it's always interesting, usually reinforcing the need for conservation. If you're looking for a series to enjoy along with your children, Nature is waiting for you ... and you don't need cable (or an airline ticket) to see it. But because of its occasionally graphic realism, parents may want to pre-screen episodes to make sure they're appropriate for their kids.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about a wide variety of issues on Nature. Why should you care about global issues like loss of wildlife habitat, global warming, and pollution?

  • Is there a need for conservation and protection of certain species? Why are some species endangered? How close is our connection to nature, and why does that matter? What does "conservation" mean?

  • What can you do in your own community to protect wildlife?

  • How does Nature promote curiosity? Why is this an important character strength?

TV Details

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 suggesting a diversity update.

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