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Parents' Guide to

Raging Planet

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Sensationalized (and scary) stories about natural phenomena.

TV Discovery Channel Educational 1997
Raging Planet Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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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?

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

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

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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