Parents' Guide to

Our Great National Parks

By Joly Herman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Stunning, educational nature show inspires hope; some peril.

TV Netflix Educational 2022
Our Great National Parks TV Show: poster

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 8+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Jessica D.
Jessica D. Adult
March 31, 2023
age 10+

Some Violence

Penguin getting chomped in half by a sea lion was too graphic for my kids. They're still worrying about it weeks later. Crocodile eating bloody fish was a lot, too. Not for sensitive kids.
Kody
Kody Parent of 9, 12 and 18+-year-old
October 18, 2022
age 5+

Trigger Warning

Trigger warning, there’s a scene where the alpha Rhino tries to force himself on a young female, using his horn up between her legs as she screams and tries to escape. No idea why on earth they even included that scene! She escapes, and there are some other less aggressive mounting scenes, but other than that which you could fast forward past, beautiful cinematography and a well done film thy kids of all ages could watch.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

OUR GREAT NATIONAL PARKS explores the places that have been preserved on our planet to allow wilderness to flourish. Former U.S. President Barack Obama hosts and narrates a tour of various ecosystems, introducing animal inhabitants who swim, hunt, climb, protect, give birth, escape danger, and live wildly. From the very first national park (Yellowstone, in the Rocky Mountains, founded in 1872) to ancient forests in Japan and from remote steppes of South America to rainforests of Africa, this series explores what it means to be wild on a planet that has fewer and fewer wild places.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (2 ):

What better host for a deep dive into the world's conserved wild parks than a man who has dealt with the biggest issues facing the planet head on? Our Great National Parks is hosted by former U.S. President Barack Obama, whose childhood in Hawaii was anticipated by his mother's visits to the seashore when she was pregnant with him. This, he argues, was his introduction to the soothing and fascinating qualities of nature. Like a real-life Mr. Roarke, President Obama's veritable wave of the hand opens possibilities in this show that lie beyond most people's wildest dreams.

But these fantasies are based in nature: The dripping rainforests and thundering waterfalls are actual places that get loving looks in this docuseries. Educational content abounds, and not only are the visual visits to places like the Great Barrier Reef or the Patagonia stunning, but the snorts, whispers, and growls of the animals we're brought to observe are fantastic. Kids, tweens, teens, and adults will enjoy the immersive experience -- and hopeful note -- this show so gracefully delivers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about keeping up with current events like the effects of climate change depicted in Our Great National Parks without being overwhelmed. How do you talk about the news in your family?

  • Spending time in remote places means unplugging from devices. What does unplugging look like to your family?

  • How much time do you spend outdoors everyday? What do you notice about your mental health when you're in nature?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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