巴勒斯坦权力机构rents' Guide to

Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey

ByMelissa Camacho,Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Update of Sagan classic is smart, visually spectacular.

TV Fox,National Geographic Channel Educational 2014
Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

">

Community Reviews

See all
age 9+

Based on 10 parent reviews

Shirley G.
Shirley G. Adult
June 5, 2017
age 14+

Very anti-God

I was thrilled with a couple episodes, informative in a visually stimulating way. Then the host managed to darken the whole series by beginning to sprinkle in his anti-religion opinions. As a Christian viewer he made me feel like I was not welcome to view, my beliefs were ridiculous and that I must not be an intelligent individual if I believe in any God. It is a shame because aside from that it was a wonderful show but no family who believes in any type of God should be supporting this franchise. I am incredibly offended.

This title has:

Too much swearing
1 person found this helpful.
Mattmchugh
Mattmchugh Adult
April 16, 2014
age 8+

Beautifully done, solid content, and Tyson makes its accessible

对于那些记得卡尔·萨根的“宇宙”,这个update goes more for eye-candy graphics than big, ponderous ideas. That's not meant as a criticism, since the visuals really draw in younger viewers. The celestial CGI looks great and the animated segments featuring historic figures from science are fun to watch and informative. In many ways, the show seems to be made to appeal to kids, though it's certainly sophisticated enough to keep adults interested. Even with the top-quality production, the real star is Neil deGrasse Tyson. Like Sagan, he radiates wonder and enthusiasm; unlike Sagan, he's never monotone (sorry, Carl, but sometimes you were!). Tyson projects the perfect mix of intelligence and likability, giving the eloquent script -- written by Sagan's widow and original series writer, Ann Druyan -- just the right voice. He's like your favorite uncle, telling exciting stories about things that would seem dull from any other source. Personally, I'm finding it a pleasure to have something this good to watch with my kids. I think smart kids over 8 will be able to follow most of it, and tweens and up will definitely learn something. Be warned that, while not disparaging of personal faith in any way, the show does not shy away from noting how religious doctrine is often at odds with science. To its credit, it shows that thinkers such as Giordano Bruno, Galileo, and Newton -- who ran afoul of the religious leaders of their day -- were motivated not by atheism but by deeply held beliefs that they were exploring the full scope of creation -- something worth remembering in age where, sadly, many people still seem to think science and religion remain at odds. -- mm

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
See all 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, COSMOS: A SPACETIME ODYSSEY explores humanity's quest to understand the universe. The science-driven series invites viewers to take a journey on a ship of imagination to discover the details behind the creation and sustenance of the cosmos. Viewers also get a glimpse of what it may look like in the future. Historical accounts of the efforts of early scientists to learn more about the universe also are offered. From understanding how Earth was created to addressing questions about the beginning of life, the series takes a fascinating look at our world and beyond.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
巴勒斯坦权力机构rents say(10):
Kids say(12):

The adventure documentary is an updated version ofCarl Sagan's Emmy-award winning TV showCosmos(1980), and it pays tribute to the astronomer's contributions to the study of the universe.Cosmos: A Spacetime Odysseyoffers viewers interesting and understandable scientific explanations about our world, the universe, and other fascinating phenomena. Meanwhile, thanks to the work of director and producer Brannon Braga (known for his work with theStar Trekfranchise), the series boasts lots of sleek special effects that create visually stunning moments.

The wayCosmos: A Spacetime Odysseyoffers details about the universe and beyond are entertainingly educational, and the stories it tells about early astronomers such as Copernicus and Galileo, as well as important but often-forgotten philosophers such as Giordano Bruno, also are very interesting. But it's the show's thoughtful enthusiasm for using science as a way of understanding our world, and what exists beyond it, that makes it outstanding.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the way science is used to explain things we can't see or hear. How do scientists gather information to describe how the universe was created, even though the event happened millions of years ago? How do they know that they are right (or wrong)? What are some of the past and current controversies surrounding scientific explanations of things such as the shape of our planet or the beginning of life?

  • What is the difference between areality showand a documentary series? Should a documentary be considered a work of fiction when it uses things such as imaginary space crafts and special effects to explain things?

  • How doesCosmos: A Spacetime Odysseypromotecuriosity? Why is this an importantcharacter strength?

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 bysuggesting a diversity update.

查看所有推荐电视列表

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services?2022世界杯赛程安排

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.

See how we rate