Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Phony ghost/alien hunting show is staged, has violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch
What's the Story?
For the first time, cameras are allowed on the ground of Skinwalker Ranch, a property said to have been a hotbed of UFO activity for over 200 years. In SECRETS OF SKINWALKER RANCH, viewers are invited to come along as the ranch owner and his team of investigators seek answers.
Is It Any Good?
The latest addition to a wave of pseudo-scientific docu-series claiming to investigate otherworldly phenomena. Following the tired pattern of similar shows, Secrets of Skinwalker Ranch leans heavily on electromagnetic meters and, disturbingly, graphic photos of mutilated animals as supposed evidence of extraterrestrial activity. The series is replete with staged scenarios and manufactured drama, undermining its credibility and veering far into the realm of conspiracy theories masquerading as science.
What's particularly troubling is the exploitation of indigenous culture in the area. The show hinges its research on the proximity of Navajo and Ute Tribal properties, all the while recklessly positioning its white male stars as authorities on the history and beliefs of the indigenous people in their area. The central figure of the series, the owner of Skinwalker Ranch, comes across as an eccentric character seeking the spotlight. His team's antics, positioned as scientific inquiry, often resemble a group of children playing dress-up. In the same vein, the series spends a lot of time showcasing his high-end equipment and fancy vehicles in lue of any action on the UFO hunting front. Viewers seeking rational exploration of unexplained phenomena are likely to find the show's approach both dubious and absurd.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the difference between science and psuedoscience. Point out the tools the men are using to prove paranormal activity. Do they offer any proof of the validity of these tools?
Discuss the representation of the Navajo and Ute tribes on the show. Point out that no one from either tribe is included in the discussion of tribal history and beliefs, and why this is problematic.
Teens often seek exhilarating experiences due to their developing brains, and horror movies and video games can get their dopamine systems flowing. Remind your child that they can take a break if their emotional engagement feels too intense.
Teens can still be frightened and can still have bad dreams. Know your child, talk about scary content they may be watching, and help them make reasonable choices.
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 28, 2023
- Cast : Travis Taylor
- Network : History
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : November 6, 2023
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