Parents' Guide to Turkey with Simon Reeve

Turkey with Simon Reeve poster

Common Sense Media Review

Danny Brogan By Danny Brogan , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 10+

Two-part travel series has depictions of war and conflict.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 10+?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

TURKEY WITH SIMON REEVE follows its presenter over the course of two episodes, as he travels the lengths of a country that sits between Europe and the Middle East. From property billionaires to nomads to refugees, Simon Reeve meets an array of different people and discovers a unique country full of contrasts, beauty, and controversy.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

This two-part travel series does a great job of providing a better understanding of a country whose global influence is growing at a rapid rate. Turkey with Simon Reeve covers so much ground -- both in terms of miles but also talking points -- spending enough time with each subject so as not to feel rushed, but nor does it ever feel like it drags. A large part of this is down to Reeve's presenting. Throughout the documentary, he meets various people of different backgrounds, socioeconomic status, and political views. Reeve is careful to ensure the show is not about him, providing a platform for everyone he meets to express their views, grievances, or hopes for the future.

That's not to say that Reeve doesn't express his own frustrations or shock at times. He seems genuinely annoyed by a newspaper calling the BBC an "English terror agency" and highlights Turkey's appalling conservation record. Yet he comes across without judgment, leaving the viewer to think for themselves about what they're seeing. It makes for a fascinating two-hour exploration of a unique country, which as Reeve says, "won't be dictated by the West or the East."

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about some of the subjects covered in Turkey with Simon Reeve. What did you learn from the documentary? How familiar are you with the country and its people? Is it somewhere you'd like to visit? Why, or why not?

TV Details

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Turkey with Simon Reeve poster

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