Raging 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 this series presents potentially devastating natural occurrences like tornadoes, lightning, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions as both ominous and violent. It includes interviews with survivors of natural disasters, as well as reenactments and actual video footage of trees and homes being destroyed. The various (and at times horrific) ways that people can die during these events are sometimes discussed. While there's some educational value to the show, it's a bit too intense for young kids.
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What's the story?
RAGING PLANET examines some of nature’s most spectacular -- and violent -- natural phenomena. From massive tornadoes to fatal tsunamis, the series combines the scientific explanations behind these occurrences with footage that dramatically showcases the damage that they can cause. Viewers will see both vivid recreations and actual footage of the destruction, as well as interviews with scientists and survivors.
Is it any good?
The series offers some interesting and educational details about various natural phenomena. But it packages these events as violent and angry -- and because they're sensationalized with ominous music and emotional interview footage with survivors (some are still distraught by what they endured), it's easy to overlook the science behind the storms.
The show includes some limited warnings about the danger of chasing storms and a bit of information about what to do if you vind yourself in a potentially dangerous situation (like being caught in a lightning storm or facing a tornado). But in the end, its goal is to entertain viewers with some of the planet’s most spectacular and dramatic natural events. While that isn’t a bad thing, necessarily, it also isn’t the best choice for educating viewers.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the educational value of shows like
this one. Did you learn anything from watching this show? Do you think
this series was made for educational purposes or just for
entertainment?
How can you protect yourself during potentially dangerous natural incidents
like bad storms? What should you do if there is a tornado heading
toward you? What shouldn’t you touch during a lightning storm?
Why do people chase tornados or other natural phenomena if it's
dangerous? Is it just to study these events, or are there other reasons?
TV details
- Premiere date: October 10, 1997
- Network: Discovery Channel
- Genre: Educational
- TV rating: TV-PG
For kids who love science and nature
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