You vs. Wild
Interactive survival show lets viewers decide star's fate.
You vs. Wild
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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 You vs. Wild is an interactive survival adventure show in which viewers travel on missions with Bear Grylls and make decisions that affect the outcome. Missions range from spending the night in an inhospitable environment to rescuing a doctor who has been lost in the jungle, and they are immersive experiences both in terms of how they're shot and the decisions viewers are allowed to make. Grylls will ask for viewers input on things like whether to ski or paraglide, or whether to eat termites or grubs. Grylls walks viewers through the outcomes of each decision, teaching survival skills and critical thinking along the way.
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What's the Story?
Bear Grylls, who rose to fame on the survival show Man vs. Wild, undertakes a series of missions in remote and dangerous parts of the world in YOU VS. WILD. The twist here is that the viewer gets to make critical decisions along the way that determine whether or not Grylls is successful. What should he bring along with him? What path should he take? Where should he sleep? What should he eat? It's up to you.
Is It Any Good?
Netflix's investment in interactive programming pays off in a big way with Bear Grylls' survival adventure, which is immersive and gratifying while feeling like there are actually big things at stake for your decisions. There are plenty of ways to enjoy You vs. Wild -- as a pure survival show; a test of your critical thinking skills; a race to the finish line -- and with each decision, Grylls talks you through the outcomes, succeed or fail, so that you're constantly learning about survival skills and critical thinking. This series is an incredible fusion of form and content that also happens to be a lot of fun. It's nothing less than a breakthrough.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes You vs. Wild dangerous. Why are survival skills important for each of the places Grylls visits? What does it take to survive in these places?
How do you make decisions in the wild? What is your thought process? Are you actually concerned for Grylls' survival, or do you just want to see him eat weird things?
What were the consequences of some of your decisions? How did it feel when you made a good decision? A bad decision?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 10, 2019
- Cast: Bear Grylls
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Adventures, Science and Nature, Wild Animals
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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Man vs. Wild
How not to die in the wilderness -- tweens and up.
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The Crocodile Hunter
Crikey! Zany Aussie oozes wildlife learning fun.
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Survivor
Plotting and scheming in paradise for $1,000,000.
For kids who love action
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