Common Sense Media Review
Tame series isn't that exciting for a show about bears.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
Retired schoolteacher Charlie Vandergaw has been going out to his remote cabin in Alaska every summer for the past 20 years to live and interract with the local bear population. It's a controversial visit, since Alaskan state officials -- in an effort to stem the increasing number of bear attacks in the state -- have made it a crime to feed the animals. But Vandergaw, who loves petting and playing with the wild animals, doesn't believe that he's doing anything wrong.
Is It Any Good?
Aside from the fact that Vandergaw clearly knows how to handle bears, there's not too much to be learned about bears and their behavior from STRANGER AMONG BEARS. And while there are moments of excitement and interest -- such as when some hunters trespass on Vandergaw's land, and he chews them out and then befriends them -- the show is mostly pictures of Vandergaw hanging out with bears.
Ultimately, it's all a tad dull. Not overwhelmingly dull -- just dull enough for a third-grader to get antsy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what they think the show's goal is. Is it to educate viewers about bears? If so, is it successful? If not, what do you think the producers hope viewers take away from watching? Families can also talk about how shows like this are made. Do you think all of the footage is filmed in order? If not, how does editing things change the story, even for reality shows?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 17, 2009
- Cast : Charlie Vandergaw
- Network : Animal Planet
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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