Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan, based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 13+
Grim farm life realities, empathy in vet show.
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Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that while Heartland Docs, DVM is a docuseries that both showcases adorable animals and delves into the grim realities of farm life. Graphic scenes include a farmer euthanizing a cow off-screen using a gun, with the veterinarians later performing a procedure on the animal's remains. Expect several scenes involving blood, feces, and other bodily fluids. These realities are presented in a respectful but unflinching manner, making the show best suited for older teens and adults who are prepared for such content.
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Violence & Scariness
some
Graphic scenes that might be unsettling for sensitive viewers, especially younger ones, include veterinary procedures that involve blood and other bodily fluids, like operations and taking sterile fecal samples. There are distressing moments when animals are shown suffering; some of them have to be euthanized. In one episode, a farmer is shown preparing to euthanize a cow with a shotgun (the shooting happens off-screen), followed by the veterinarians performing a graphic procedure on the deceased animal. Pet owners are also featured in moments of extreme distress when their animals are gravely ill.
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Positive Role Models
a lot
Veterinarians Erin and Ben Schroeder are compassionate and deeply dedicated to the animals they treat. They regularly express respect and admiration for each other's skills, modeling a strong partnership in both work and life. Their practice involves three generations, with Ben's father, who started the veterinary business, and their teenage children helping out. The Schroeders also exemplify the value of community support by gathering resources for local farmers affected by flooding.
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Positive Messages
a lot
The series emphasizes the importance of community and empathy, showing how the Schroeders go out of their way to help both animals and their neighbors. The compassion they have for the creatures they care for, as well as the strong family bonds that help them navigate difficult situations, are central to the show's message.
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Diverse Representations
very little
The show focuses primarily on the Schroeder family, who are White. There isn't much diversity among the featured individuals in the series.
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What's the Story?
HEARTLAND DOCS, DVM follows the professional and personal lives of married veterinarians Ben and Erin Schroeder in rural Nebraska. The series chronicles their work treating animals both large and small, from farm livestock to household pets, while also spotlighting the challenges they face as a family in this line of work. With a mix of humor, compassion, and expertise, the show paints a realistic picture of rural veterinary care.
Is It Any Good?
This series offers a compelling look at the realities of farm life and the dedication needed to care for animals. The Schroeders are a likable family whose warmth and professionalism shine through Heartland Docs, DVM. The show strikes a balance between positivity and the harsh realities of the situations they face, but the graphic nature of some scenes may be difficult for more sensitive viewers. The combination of practical veterinary advice and heartfelt moments makes it an interesting watch for those who can handle the more intense content.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role of community in rural life. The show highlights the importance of neighbors helping each other during tough times, like after a flood. What role does community play in overcoming challenges, and how can this be applied to your own life?
The Schroeders model a high level of empathy for the animals they treat. How important is empathy when working with animals, and what lessons can be learned about respecting all living creatures?
How do the Schroeders balance their compassion for animals with the tough decisions they sometimes have to make? How do they cope with difficult situations?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 10, 2024
- Network : Hulu
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Horses and Farm Animals
- TV rating : TV-14
- Last updated : September 4, 2024
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 by
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