Parents' Guide to

Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper

By Stephanie Morgan, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Endearing host nerds out over birds and conservationism.

TV NatGeoWild , Disney+ Reality TV 2023
Extraordinary Birding with Christian Cooper: A Black man with binoculars around his neck stands in the jungle and gazes off into the distance.

A Lot or a Little?

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

  • Extraordinary Birding with Christian Cooper: A Black man shows a bird feeder to a young White girl.

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What's the Story?

Christian Cooper -- an openly gay Black science writer and editor -- was thrust into the national spotlight after being targeted by racist accusations while bird watching in New York City's Central Park. In EXTRAORDINARY BIRDER WITH CHRISTIAN COOPER, he steps out of the shadows of that incident and uses his extensive bird knowledge to teach viewers all about his feathered friends. Traveling from city to city, he shines a spotlight on the work of ornithologists around the world.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Despite the often colorful plumage of its subject matter, it's the nerdy charm of this show's host that truly stands out. In Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper, the science writer's genuine excitement for all things avian can't help but take flight. In front of the cameras, he's natural and infectious -- but also slightly awkward and endearing as he blurts lines like "he's the cutest thing alive." There's also stunning scenery, and some surprisingly adorable birds, but the episodes can drag a bit. Sixty minutes is a lot of time to fill for a show with little real drama. Still, whether they stay for the season or just enjoy an episode, viewers will hopefully walk away with eyes wide open to the beauty of the natural world.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Cooper's enthusiastic curiosity about birds and the natural world. Why is curiosity such an important character strength? What is something you're especially curious about?

  • Talk about the importance of conservationism and why people dedicate their lives to it.

  • Christian Cooper first received national attention because a White woman called the police on him while he was birding in New York City's Central Park. Talk about the incident with your kids and discuss how racism was involved in the events that unfolded that day. What were the consequences for the woman and for Cooper?

TV Details

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