Common Sense Media Review
By Marty Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Interactive survival show lets viewers decide star's fate.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
You vs. Wild
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 , STEM , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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