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Parents' Guide to

The Alaska Experiment

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Survival show entertaining but intense. OK for older tweens.

TV Discovery Channel Reality TV 2008
The Alaska Experiment 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?

In THE ALASKA EXPERIMENT, four groups of adventurers shun the conveniences of city life and head to the wilds of Alaska to test their basic survival skills. The participants -- a married couple, a trio of friends, and a father and his two adult daughters -- brave the elements for three months armed with only a meager food supply, some simple tools, and a rudimentary shelter. They must push their bodies and their minds to the limit as the weather turns frigid and food gets scarce -- and some are forced to re-evaluate their commitment to this adventure of a lifetime.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

There's something enticing about watching people battle nature's challenges -- especially when you're watching from the comforts of your own couch. For viewers who enjoy adventure-bound reality TV, this series has a lot to offer: stunning scenery, raw emotion, and personal triumph.

The flip side? The constant references to the life-threatening nature of the weather, food shortages, and unpredictable wildlife could frighten young or sensitive viewers. Likewise, kids won't understand the reasons behind participants' emotional outbursts and heated exchanges. There's a fair amount of salty language (mostly "hell" and "ass"), too, so it's probably a more age-appropriate choice for older tweens and teens. Even then, be prepared to answer questions about life and survival tactics in the wild.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about overcoming challenges. Why do you think these people decided to participate in this series? What personal struggles do they face?

  • Do their survival strategies work? What would you do differently in their situation? Do you think it's always true that adversity makes you stronger?

  • Also, why do you think survival-oriented shows have gotten so popular? What's their appeal? What messages do they send?

TV Details

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