Prehistoric Planet
Sleek "docu" re-creates sometimes-violent dinosaur life.
Kids say
Based on 3 reviews
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Prehistoric Planet
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Prehistoric Planet is a sleek, remarkably realistic documentary-style miniseries with extensive digital effects that re-create what life might have been like for dinosaurs 66 million years ago. David Attenborough narrates with the care and expertise he's known for. Predators hunt prey, baby dinosaurs are eaten, and dinosaurs are shown mating (from the neck up). In short, life in the age of dinosaurs -- complete with its peril and variety -- is explored in depth.
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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: Dinosaurs, Ocean Creatures, Science and Nature
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet
Attenborough's stark documentary is essential viewing.
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Jurassic Park
Terrifyingly realistic dinos run amok in sci-fi landmark.
-
Walking with Dinosaurs
Top-notch education (and entertainment) for dino fans.
For kids who love dinosaurs
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