Secrets of the Octopus
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Colorful octopod docu is educational, entertaining.
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Secrets of the Octopus
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What's the Story?
Co-executive produced by James Cameron, and narrated by Paul Rudd, SECRETS OF THE OCTOPUS is a docuseries about the wonders of the eight-tentacled creature. With the help of marine biologist Alex Schnell, the three installments take a closer look at octopuses' extraordinary capabilities, including their ability to shape shift, to intelligently learn and problem solve, and to build social lives with other species. Throughout, spectacular underwater footage captures different species in their natural habitats all over the world. Bonus footage features Cameron and Schnell talking more about what they've learned and seen while working on the production.
Is It Any Good?
The colorful, beautiful, entertainingly informative series offers a unique chance to see a variety octopus species hunt, look for ways to hide, play, mate, and take care of their babies. Secrets of the Octopus reveals how different species use their instinctual abilities to make themselves look and feel like the rocks and coral when they hide. However, much of the focus is on how intelligent octopuses are, how they learn, and the clever ways they solve problems, which includes using tools to protect themselves from predators and accomplishing other tasks. The different ways they socially interact with other sea creatures, including diver Alex Schell, also highlight their ability to satisfy their curiosity in quick and clever ways while ensuring that they have lots of alone time. All of this is offered without attempting to anthropomorphize them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about octopuses. Did you know that they are one of the oldest species of animals on Earth? How have they been depicted in books and other media over the centuries?
What is the most interesting fact that Secrets of the Octopus reveals about the species? Do any of these facts surprise you?
TV Details
- Premiere date: May 21, 2024
- Cast: Paul Rudd , Alex Schnell , James Cameron
- Networks: Disney+ , National Geographic Channel
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Ocean Creatures , Science and Nature
- Character Strengths: Curiosity
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: May 7, 2024
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