Common Sense Media Review
Nature-reality show is more about Palin than Alaska.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
Former Alaskan governor Sarah Palin and her family spend the summer sharing adventures in the great state of Alaska, fishing for salmon, watching bears, climbing rocks, trekking across glaciers, that sort of thing. Mixed in with gorgeous views of immense natural beauty, viewers peek at some of the Palin family's daily life, which includes interactions between the famous mom and her husband and kids. Intercut with family scenes are interviews with Palin about her experiences and views on Alaska and family along with some subtle political messages.
Is It Any Good?
One has to give Palin credit. She does poke fun at herself -- including making a joke about being able to "see Russia" from an expansive mountaintop view. She also talks about how hard it can be to be the target of criticism. At the same time, many of the attitudes and values that some people find attractive and others off-putting are in full evidence here. She complains all through a difficult rock climb, but she still gives it her all-out best. She's eerily paranoid about her neighbor, who is likely writing an attack biography about her. And she finds plenty of occasions to interpret natural beauty through her particular political lens. The bottom line is, if you like Sarah Palin, you'll like the show. If you don't, you won't.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the fact that Sarah Palin generates very strong opinions in others. Does this show change any pre-conceived ideas about Palin or not? Does the show put her in a good or bad light?
Talk about whether the show accurately reflects the Palin family's life. Are there any signs that the family is doing certain things for the cameras, rather than doing what they normally do?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 14, 2010
- Network : TLC
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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