Inspiring ocean docu; some intense circle-of-life moments.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
some
While not particularly gory, there are some potentially upsetting circle-of-life moments in this animal documentary. For example, one scene shows a baby humpback whale being separated from its mother and drowned by a pod of orcas. Other scenes include aggression between animals.
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Show is an extended commercial for OceanX, a non-profit that funds ocean research and education. There are fleeting logos for other companies (for outdoor gear and clothing).
Sex, Romance & Nudity
a little
Animal documentary shows sea creature courtship behavior on screen. Scientists discuss a "frenzied pursuit" of animals' potential mates, mating in general, pregnancy, and birth. Mating is not shown on screen. Human-wise, some researchers are on-screen wearing not-revealing bathing suits as they conduct their research.
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Amazing facts about the ocean and its animals. Series also models the scientific method and highlights careers in STEM.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Scientists are all experts in their field and are tremendously curious and passionate. The scientists have to work together as a team while they conduct research, and are supportive of one another.
Positive Messages
a lot
Positive messages around science's role in helping to protect animals and the environment.
Diverse Representations
a lot
The real-life ocean researchers are a very diverse group hailing from around the world. There is strong female scientist representation, including a Black South African and a South Asian Sri Lankan woman scientist. Series creator James Cameron (a White man) is on screen some, but the scientists are the focus.
Parents need to know that OceanXplorers is a nature documentary series highlighting the scientific research of nonprofit OceanX. Ocean enthusiast James Cameron is the executive producer and appears on screen throughout. The amazing footage of ocean creatures sometimes depicts scenes that may be upsetting to kids, like a baby humpback whale being killed by a pod of orcas. The hunting scenes are not gory. Scientists discuss animal mating behavior, pregnancy, and birth, but no sensitive body parts are shown. Expect infrequent mild language like "kickass" and "oh my God." Otherwise, the show is very entertaining for kids and adults alike. Kids will be inspired by the diverse team of ocean scientists, and may want to follow in their career footsteps.
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What's the Story?
OceanXplorers is a docuseries that follows ocean scientists using a state-of-the-art research vessel to discover the secrets of the ocean and its creatures. Each episode focuses on a different species, and experts use the ship's technology to discover answers to their research curiosities. In the humpback whale episode, researchers aim to learn more about whale courtship rituals, mother and baby pairs as they prepare for migration, and why whales migrate to a spot near the Dominican Republic to mate. Scientists climb into deep sea submersibles and helicopters, race to place tags and video cameras on whales, and deploy deep sea microphones to find the answers to their questions. James Cameron (director of Titanic and Avatar) is on board the ship too, and helps to explain the scientific discoveries. With its incredible video footage, provides an up-close view of the ocean's most magnificent creatures.
Kids into animals, science, and technology (and probably also kids who don't think they're into those things) will love this series. OceanXplorers' fantastic underwater cinematography shows off the wonders of the deep in a really compelling way. All the technology on the boat makes science seem super cool (though adults may roll their eyes at the over-the-top made for TV hologram visualization room). Some of the events are dramatized a bit for TV, but it's still interesting to see real scientists doing research out in nature. Kids and grown-ups alike will learn interesting facts about the ocean's creatures (like: newborn humpback whales drink 50 gallons of milk a day). There's something for everyone in this entertaining show, making it a great watch for the whole family.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the researchers' curiosity. How do scientists on the OceanXplore decide what to research, and how do they test their predictions?
Do any of the jobs on the OceanXplore seem interesting to you? What kind of school or training do you think you would need to be able to do that job?
Are there any creatures you saw on the show that you would like to learn more about? How do you think you could learn more about them?
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.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Ashley Moulton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
