Parents' Guide to

Spy in the Ocean

By Stephanie Morgan, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 5+

Ocean-dwelling robotic creatures captivate in docuseries.

TV PBS Educational 2023
Spy in the Ocean TV show poster: Whales, seals, sharks and other sea creatures gather under water in the ocean.

A Lot or a Little?

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

  • Spy in the Ocean TV show screenshot: A tiny robotic octopus is shown at the bottom of the ocean through a camera lens.

Community Reviews

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age 4+

Based on 1 parent review

jackpalmer
jackpalmer Parent of 4-year-old
November 5, 2023
age 4+
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

SPY IN THE OCEAN is a docuseries showcasing the work of the innovative undersea robots, all of which have been created to look exactly like sea-dwelling creatures, ranging from a small seafloor octopus to a baby sperm whale. They not only look like the animals they film, they interact with them as no human can.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

An awe-inspiring viewing experience with one-of-a-kind footage of marine creatures interacting with robots they perceive as their own kind. Watching Spy in the Ocean is a continuous exercise in remembering that what you're seeing is not CGI. Along with the stunning visuals, the playful narration makes the show a captivating watch for both kids and adults as it showcases the social intelligence and family dynamics of its subjects. And the action isn't limited to under the sea; in one especially entertaining scene, sea-diving monkeys leap from soaring treetops into the ocean, seemingly just for the joy of it. Spy in the Ocean is more than just a scientific examination; it's a celebration of its subjects with moments of pure wonder and joy.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the cleverly disguised robots used in Spy in the Ocean. If kids are especially interested, research how they were built together online.

  • Talk about the curiosity of the scientists who built these robots. Why is this an especially important character strength in the field of science?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

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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