Television Review: Human Body: Pushing the Limits
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that each episode of this fascinating
four-part docuseries centers on a separate group of body
functions (brain power, sensations, etc.); depending on the
topic, there may be images of kissing, people doing dangerous
things, and so on. The series will intrigue science-savvy
tweens and teens, but younger kids may not like the images of
humans' internal structures (or the stripped-down, skinless,
skeleton-like "person" used to illustrate how bones, muscles,
and so on work). The frank discussions of how bodies respond to
danger (shutting down functions or feeding off themselves, for
example) could also upset young or sensitive viewers.
Families can talk about media's value as an educational tool.
Did you learn something new from this show? How could you find
out more if you wanted to? What aspects of television make it a
good learning tool? Can you tell which shows take their
educational function seriously? How?
How does the human body respond to extreme physical challenges like fear, exertion, and starvation? What hidden instincts kick in to help us cope under stressful circumstances? Using cutting-edge 3-D computer imagery and re-enactments of real-life events, this docuseries explores the inner workings of the human body when it's put to the toughest physical and mental tests, demonstrating how instinctual responses to stress help ensure our survival.
If you're at all intrigued by the mysteries of the human body, then HUMAN BODY: PUSHING THE LIMITS is right up your alley. Each episode offers a unique glimpse into how we function, with computer images literally peeling back the skin on our physical structures to reveal internal systems (muscular, skeletal, nervous, etc.) and demonstrate how they work. The best part is that the wealth of information is thorough, yet presented in a way that's appropriate for average (a.k.a. non-scientist) viewers, making it a worthwhile series to share with tweens and teens.
That said, younger kids and/or particularly sensitive ones may be frightened or made squeamish by the computer-generated skinless bodies and the graphic discussions of real-life stories of extreme survival.
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Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
