Parents' Guide to

Night

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Walk on the wild side after dark isn't for youngest kids.

TV Animal Planet Educational 2009
Night Poster Image

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What's the Story?

Animal expert Brandon McMillan unveils the creatures that go bump (and screech and howl...) after dark t in Animal Planet's NIGHT. The nearly fearless animal trainer travels the world for rare glimpses into the shadowy nocturnal habits of species like vampire bats, hyenas, and Humboldt squid. Using high-tech night-vision equipment and calling on the knowledge of local experts, McMillan observes the animals in their natural environments, studying their hunting prowess and survival tactics.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Night puts a new spin on the traditional wildlife show by focusing on animals' nocturnal habits; the result is a surprisingly gripping series that offers lots of educational content. It's obvious that McMillan knows his stuff, and his excitement is contagious as he gets close-up glimpses of magnificent species like African leopards in action. As he narrates the animals' movements, he also points out the characteristics that make them effective hunters or elusive prey.

That said, the show's dramatic nature makes it iffy for young kids and sensitive tweens, who may be frightened by scenes of animals prowling around at night -- even if their habitats are thousands of miles away. The series also plays up tense moments during McMillan's wildlife encounters (a diving emergency while swimming among five-foot squid, for instance), which could upset youngsters.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about animal behavior. How do wild animals adapt to their habitats? What animals can you think of that have developed specialized abilities for hunting or to avoid becoming prey themselves? Do all animals have instinctive behavior? What examples can you think of? What impact have humans had on animals' environments? How do our everyday actions affect their ability to survive? What can we do to protect their natural habitats?

TV Details

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