The Wheel
Survivalists compete in different ecosystems, face peril.
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The Wheel
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Wheel is a reality show featuring people trying to survive in various extreme eco-zones. Survivalists get hurt, get sick (and vomit), are threatened by dangerous predators, and sometimes cry under pressure. There's some strong language and bleeped cursing. Animals are hunted and skinned for food. The series contains strong messages about facing challenges one step at a time, and the mental strength it takes to meet difficult goals.
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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, Science and Nature, Wild Animals
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: December 20, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Naked and Afraid
Survivalist challenge reveals teamwork ... and nude bottoms.
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Alone
Contestants fend for themselves in slow survivalist show.
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Man vs. Wild
How not to die in the wilderness -- tweens and up.
For kids who love reality TV
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