Television Review: Survivorman
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that each episode of this show focuses
on the host's ability to survive in extreme conditions -- such
as in the desert or on a mountaintop -- for seven days with no
food, water, or equipment. While adults will understand that
he'll undoubtedly make it back to civilization, young viewers
might find the challenging conditions stressful or even
frightening.
Families can talk about survival tactics. How can you get by
for a week with no food or water? What about shelter? How do
seemingly safe trips -- like camping or river rafting -- turn
dangerous? Has there ever been a situation you wondered how
you'd get out of? What did you do? Have you taken any training
to prepare for dangerous situations (first aid, self-defense,
wilderness training)? Would you like to? What would you do if
you found yourself in one of the situations featured on the
show?
In SURVIVORMAN, veteran outdoorsman Les Stroud films himself as he spends a week escaping the latest remote locale in which he's purposely stranded himself. In each episode, the affable Stroud is dropped by helicopter with only the clothes on his back, his camera equipment, and possibly an energy bar or a pack of gum (i.e. what regular hikers might have with them in a similar situation). Without food, water, or equipment, he must use his smarts and instinct to survive a week alone. This involves finding sustenance and shelter -- as well as traveling over rough terrain to safer ground.
Some of the situations Stroud finds himself in can be perilous, but he knows what he's doing, and most kids should be able to handle it. Ultimately, Survivorman has all the hallmarks of a good reality show, including a friendly host, suspenseful situations, and resolution by episode's end. But it goes a step further, teaching viewers about nature and how you can survive without the comforts of home. Parents looking for tween-friendly fare can feel good about tuning in.
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