Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gorgeous docuseries surveys nature both peaceful and brutal.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
North America
What's the Story?
NORTH AMERICA is a breathtaking virtual tour of some of the most awe-inspiring places on a continent marked by the most extreme range of climates and weather patterns in the world. Five years in the making and spanning eight countries and 29 states, this seven-part series illustrates the natural rule of "survival of the fittest" as it gives way to unusual adaptations of species that call the far reaches of this land "home." From the elusive Mexican desert jaguar to the instinctive synchronicity of nesting sea turtles in Costa Rica, cameras capture incredible moments in the wild -- sometimes for the first time -- and invite viewers to enjoy the splendor. Set to inspiring music and complemented by stunning time-lapse photography, the series sets out to show what makes North America's biodiversity so unique.
Is It Any Good?
Beautiful to its very last moment, this documentary series introduces viewers to the splendor and intrigue that otherwise might go unnoticed by the masses. North America does for this corner of the world what Planet Earth did for the larger picture. Many viewers will be familiar with some of the spots featured here, from the California coast to the Gulf of Mexico, and from the northern tundra to the jungles of the south. Such accessibility inspires not only respect and admiration but a genuine desire to witness these sights for yourselves.
The educational potential that exists here is virtually limitless, as the content extends beyond gorgeous footage of amazing species at work and play to include spectacular weather events and an exploration of geological history. Compelling storytelling captures viewers' attention throughout and is simple enough for kids to follow. That said, what makes this series so great is its reserved observation of nature in its truest form, so be sure your kids can handle the concept of life and death before you watch with them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about natural selection. How does this process ensure the survival of a species? What examples of adaptation do you see in the animals featured in North America? What threats exist to their continued survival? What role do humans play in these threats?
Does North America inspire you to visit new places? Where would you like to go? What would you see there? Why is it important to conserve the areas these species call home?
Use the concepts in this series to guide exploration of your own environment. What species thrive there? How does the climate and the geography benefit them? What predators exist there?
How does North America promote curiosity? Why is that an important character strength?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 19, 2013
- Cast : Tom Selleck
- Network : Discovery Channel
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : Animals ( Bugs , Ocean Creatures , Wild Animals ) , STEM
- Character Strengths : Curiosity
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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