Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't

Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't

YouTube

2009

WISE
78%

WISE Score

431K

Subscribers

A foul-mouthed Chicago botanist makes plant ecology genuinely riveting—if you can handle the profanity.

Screenwise Verdict

This is what happens when someone who truly loves botany decides to teach it like they're explaining it to friends at a bar—lots of f-bombs, zero pretension, and surprisingly deep ecological knowledge.

The profanity is constant and intentional (it's literally part of the brand), so this isn't sneaking past anyone. But underneath the crude delivery is genuinely excellent science education that makes plant ecology accessible and exciting. Joey Santore teaches viewers to see ecosystems as interconnected communities, not just pretty scenery or useful resources.

For families with teens or mature tweens who can handle the language, this is co-viewing gold—you'll both actually learn something, and the passion is real enough to spark genuine interest in the natural world. Just don't hit play expecting PBS Nature.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13+ who can handle frequent profanity, or for co-viewing with mature 10-12 year olds where parents can provide context and decide what language they're comfortable with. Adults who love nature will genuinely enjoy this too.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
72

Self-described as 'low-brow, crass' with frequent profanity (channel signs off with 'go f*ck yourself'), but the tone is genuinely enthusiastic about nature and models real passion for learning. The misanthropic persona is more comedic than mean-spirited, and the content celebrates ecological interconnectedness. Not toxic or cruel, just rough around the edges.

Imaginative
88

Wildly original approach to science education—combining Chicago street vernacular with deep botanical knowledge. Joey Santore's unfiltered enthusiasm makes plants genuinely exciting and invites viewers to see the natural world through ecology and evolution rather than human utility. The 'misanthropic' framing actually sparks curiosity about non-anthropocentric perspectives. 955 videos showing diverse ecosystems and plant communities.

Safe
58

Frequent profanity and crude language throughout (channel literally tells viewers to 'go f*ck yourself'). Comments are enabled on a 431K subscriber channel, which can be a mixed bag. No violence, gore, or inappropriate visual content—just a lot of swearing. The actual botanical content is educational and harmless, but the delivery is definitely not kid-friendly without supervision.

Enriching
92

Genuinely educational content about plant ecology and evolution from someone with deep knowledge and infectious passion. Teaches viewers to observe and understand ecosystems, not just identify plants. The anti-anthropocentric lens is philosophically enriching—plants matter because they 'hold up the biosphere,' not because humans can use them. Over 30 million views suggest the teaching style resonates. Reddit parents specifically recommend it for watching with kids.

Parent Info

Why It Might Be Great

  • Makes botany legitimately exciting and accessible through unfiltered enthusiasm and street-smart humor
  • Teaches ecology and evolution from a non-anthropocentric perspective—plants matter for their own sake, not just human use
  • 955 videos covering diverse ecosystems means endless learning opportunities about the natural world
  • Reddit parents specifically recommend it for watching with kids who can handle the language
  • Joey Santore's genuine passion is infectious and models what loving a subject deeply actually looks like

What to Watch For

  • Constant profanity—the channel literally signs off with 'go f*ck yourself' so this isn't occasional swearing
  • YouTube platform means algorithm recommendations and comment sections are part of the package
  • The 'misanthropic' persona is mostly comedic but might need context for younger viewers
  • Best as co-viewing content where you can discuss the science and laugh at the delivery together

Conversation Starters

  • "What did you think about how he explained why that plant grows where it does?"
  • "He talks about plants like they're characters in a story—which plant would you want to learn more about?"
  • "Why do you think he cares so much about protecting natural habitats?"
  • "The swearing is pretty over-the-top, right? But does it make the science more interesting or just distracting for you?"

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YouTube Channel
Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't

Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't

@crimepaysbutbotanydoesnt
431.0K
Subscribers
30.5M
Views
955
Videos