A Year in Space

A Year in Space

show

2016, Reality, Documentary

WISE
89%

WISE Score

7.0

TMDB

Scott Kelly spends a year on the ISS so your kids can see what it's really like to live in space—spoiler: it's harder than Among Us tasks.

TMDB7.0
Common Sense Media
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Screenwise Verdict

This is the real deal—not a dramatization, not a Hollywood version, but actual footage of astronauts living in space for a year. Scott Kelly's mission was groundbreaking (longest continuous time in space for an American), and this series captures both the wonder and the grind.

The educational value is off the charts. Kids see actual experiments, learn about the physical toll of space, understand international cooperation, and get an honest look at what it takes to achieve something extraordinary. The fact that Kelly's twin brother stayed on Earth as a control subject adds a fascinating scientific layer.

The main challenge: this is 2016 documentary pacing, which means it's thoughtful and thorough but not TikTok-speed. Some kids will be riveted; others will need breaks. Consider it a family series to watch over weeks rather than a weekend binge. But for kids who are genuinely curious about space, this is pure gold—and might just inspire the next generation of astronauts.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-99. Younger kids (6-7) with strong space interest can handle it but may lose focus during slower moments. Teens and adults will appreciate the genuine human story and scientific rigor. Perfect for families with budding scientists or space enthusiasts.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

Documentary follows astronauts through a year-long space mission with genuine human moments, cooperation between American and Russian crew members, and honest portrayal of the challenges and triumphs of space exploration. Models dedication, perseverance, and international collaboration without manufactured drama or cynicism.

Imaginative
92

Living aboard the ISS for a year is inherently mind-expanding—zero gravity, Earth from orbit, conducting experiments in space. The series captures the wonder of space exploration and invites viewers to think about human potential, scientific discovery, and what it takes to push boundaries. Unprecedented access to real space missions sparks curiosity about STEM fields.

Safe
95

Reality documentary with no violence, gore, sexual content, or inappropriate language. Some scenes may show the physical toll of space (medical procedures, health monitoring) but nothing graphic or traumatic. The biggest 'risk' is a kid asking why we spend money on space instead of Earth problems, which is actually a great conversation.

Enriching
94

Exceptional educational value—real science, engineering, biology, international cooperation, and human endurance. Scott Kelly's year-long mission was a twin study (his brother stayed on Earth) examining effects of long-duration spaceflight. Kids learn about actual space station operations, experiments, and what it takes to achieve something extraordinary. TMDB rating of 7/10 and positive reviews suggest strong execution.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Real footage from the International Space Station showing actual daily life in zero gravity—eating, sleeping, working, exercising
  • Follows a genuine scientific mission studying long-term effects of spaceflight (Scott's twin brother stayed on Earth as a control)
  • Models international cooperation between American and Russian space programs during a time of political tension
  • Unparalleled STEM inspiration—kids see real scientists and engineers doing extraordinary things
  • 12 episodes means deep dive into space station operations, experiments, and the psychological challenges of isolation
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What to Watch For

  • Some medical procedures and health monitoring scenes (blood draws, physical exams) that aren't graphic but show the toll space takes on the body
  • Pacing may feel slow for kids used to rapid-cut content—this is real life, not Hollywood
  • 12 episodes is a commitment; might work better as a family series to watch over time rather than binging

Conversation Starters

  • "Would you want to spend a year in space? What would be the hardest part for you?"
  • "Scott Kelly's twin brother stayed on Earth so scientists could compare them. What do you think they learned?"
  • "The astronauts have to exercise 2 hours every day in space. Why do you think that is?"
  • "What experiments would you want to do if you were on the space station?"
  • "How do you think Scott felt when he finally came back to Earth after a whole year?"
Stills
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