Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sleek "docu" re-creates sometimes-violent dinosaur life.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Prehistoric Planet
What's the Story?
In PREHISTORIC PLANET, dinosaurs' lives are re-created in full splendor by The Mandalorian creator and Iron Man producer Jon Favreau with members of the Planet Earth team. Baby T-Rex dinosaurs swim after their father in an inland ocean of long ago, while they're chased by underwater predators as they try to make it to an island. Flying reptiles cross vast swaths of ocean to get to food, ever on alert for attacks from other flying dinosaurs. David Attenborough (David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet) narrates the documentary-style miniseries as dinosaurs strive to survive in coastal regions, the desert, and freshwater environments.
Is It Any Good?
Styled as a visually splendid nature documentary, this series explores the lives and times of dinosaurs in a remarkably realistic way. Complete with aerial shots of animals hunting other animals in the sea or in the air, Prehistoric Planet takes viewers way, way back in time
It's easy to forget, for better or worse, that this is a re-creation; David Attenborough speaks of the dinosaurs "gathering" on a cliff top in the present tense as if it's actually happening. Kids might wonder whether prehistoric history had a Hans Zimmer soundtrack. But if the fictionalization is kept in mind, families can enjoy a visit back to the Cretaceous age thanks to the stunning effects that this series boasts.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about nature shows like Prehistoric Planet and how they shape our view of nature. Do you think you understand nature better when you watch a show like this?
Violence in the natural world is a survival situation. How does it differ from violence we see in the news today?
This show is based on evidence that scientists have found, but it's been re-created as if it's real. How can you tell what's real from what's fake?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 23, 2022
- Cast : David Attenborough
- Network : Apple TV
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : Animals ( Dinosaurs , Ocean Creatures ) , STEM
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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