Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Survivalists compete in different ecosystems, face peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Wheel
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE WHEEL is a survival challenge featuring six ordinary people trying to survive six extreme South American environments over a two-month period. With only light survival packs and devices allowing them to call for help, each participant is dropped into a different eco-zone, the location of which is determined by a wheel that, unbeknownst to them, is based on the lunar calendar. From dangerous rainforests to freezing tundras, the survivalists must quickly adapt to their surroundings and find food, water, and shelter to help them stay alive until the wheel suddenly sends them to a new place without any information about how long they'll be there.
Is It Any Good?
This interesting but rather unoriginal series features people from different backgrounds and survival skills participating in grueling challenges to prove something to themselves. They all struggle to find food and water, create adequate shelter, and cope with the stress of being alone. On occasion, they also have to avoid being eaten by predators, and survive accidentally poisoning themselves. But they all take it one step at a time, and look for ways to problem solve when things seem impossible.
It's hard not to be impressed by the courage of the participants. However, outside of the fact that their schedules are dictated by a lunar calendar, thanks to shows like Naked and Afraid and Alone, you can't help but feel that you've seen all of this before. Fans of this sort of reality fare will still find it entertaining, and some folks may learn a few survival tricks by watching. But if you're looking for something new and fresh, The Wheel doesn't turn in that direction.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about survivalists like the ones on The Wheel. What motivates them to go into the wild? How do they learn the different skills they need to survive?
The cast of The Wheel is not competing for a cash prize. Why are they pushing themselves? Why did they agree to be on TV?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 13, 2017
- Cast : Michael McIntyre
- Network : Discovery Channel
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Adventures , STEM , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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