Prehistoric Planet Christian Review
There’s something about dinosaurs that reignites the imagination, even in the most stoic of us. Their towering forms, their intricate designs, their sheer otherworldliness—they are creatures that practically demand we take a step back and marvel. Prehistoric Planet, with its jaw-dropping visuals and immersive storytelling, takes us on a journey back in time, offering a front-row seat to a chapter of creation that feels almost mythical.
But what’s a Christian supposed to do with such a series? Is it simply entertainment, or could it serve as a deeper meditation on God’s handiwork? Let’s dive into the lush landscapes, both literal and theological, that Prehistoric Planet offers.
Dinosaurs in 4K: A Portal to Another World
Let’s talk visuals first because, frankly, they’re impossible to ignore. This series doesn’t just bring dinosaurs to life; it drops them into environments so vivid and so texturally rich that you feel like you’re standing shoulder to shoulder with creatures like the Mosasaur or the river-crossing Hadrosaur. Every frame is a work of art, every movement carefully crafted to mimic the organic unpredictability of real life.
From the rippling water as a colossal predator swims lazily below the surface to the intricate play of light on a dinosaur’s feathers, Prehistoric Planet spares no expense in ensuring its audience feels transported. And as a Christian viewer, it’s hard not to be struck by the sheer creativity on display. Sure, this is CGI, not divine intervention, but even the fictionalized artistry speaks to a greater truth: creation itself is wondrous beyond words.
Psalm 104:24 says, “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom, you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” Watching Prehistoric Planet feels like a celebration of this truth—a joyful dance of imagination and science, merging to honor the complexity and beauty of life on Earth.
Storytelling Meets Science: The Balance of Fact and Fiction
What’s truly captivating about Prehistoric Planet is how it walks the line between education and entertainment. Each episode dives into the lives of these prehistoric creatures with such emotional resonance that you almost forget they’re long extinct. A Hadrosaur’s perilous river crossing feels as nail-biting as any wildlife documentary about wildebeest on the savannah. A Mosasaur enjoying a fishy spa day? Somehow endearing, even as it looms monstrously large.
But let’s not get carried away—this isn’t pure fact. Much of what we see is speculative, informed by fossil records and the latest scientific theories. It’s an educated guess, not a gospel truth. And yet, isn’t that part of the beauty?
As Christians, we often approach science with a mix of curiosity and caution. How does this fit with Scripture? Does it conflict with God’s Word? Prehistoric Planet doesn’t claim to have all the answers. Instead, it invites us to ask questions, to explore the “how” of God’s creation without losing sight of the “why.”
Wonder Wakes the Child Within
There’s a part of every person—buried under mortgages, deadlines, and to-do lists—that still remembers what it was like to be a kid utterly obsessed with dinosaurs. Prehistoric Planet has a knack for waking that inner child. It’s the kind of series that makes you want to grab a dinosaur book, build a LEGO T-Rex, or quiz yourself on the difference between a Brachiosaurus and a Diplodocus.
For kids, this is an obvious win. It’s educational, visually arresting, and just plain fun. But for adults, the experience is just as rich. It reminds us of the joy of discovery, of asking big questions about a big world, and of marveling at the mysteries we may never fully understand.
This sense of wonder is, I believe, a holy thing. Proverbs 25:2 says, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.” Whether it’s digging into the fossil record or marveling at a CGI dinosaur, the act of seeking knowledge is an act of worship.
CGI as a Tool for Reverence
Let’s address the elephant—or rather, the Triceratops—in the room: CGI. There are moments when the dinosaurs don’t quite blend seamlessly into their live-action environments. Occasionally, they seem to hover above the ground, and the illusion falters. For a production with Apple’s backing, this feels like a missed opportunity.
Yet even these slight imperfections can’t overshadow the series’ achievements. The fact that we’re nitpicking CGI dinosaurs is, in itself, a testament to how far technology has come. And perhaps it’s fitting that these digital creations remind us of their artifice. After all, they point to a greater Creator—the One who made the real thing, whose designs inspire even our most ambitious human endeavors.
Theological Reflections on Fossils and Faith
Here’s where things get tricky for some Christians. Dinosaurs are often a flashpoint in discussions about the age of the Earth and how to interpret Genesis. Does Prehistoric Planet raise these questions? Absolutely. Does it answer them? Not at all. And that’s okay.
This series isn’t a theological treatise; it’s a visual and narrative exploration of a time long past. It doesn’t seek to reconcile science with Scripture, nor does it dismiss faith in favor of facts. Instead, it provides a space for viewers to engage, reflect, and wrestle with these big ideas.
For me, watching Prehistoric Planet is less about pinpointing where it fits in the biblical timeline and more about marveling at the God who made such creatures possible. Whether they lived millions of years ago or coexisted with humanity in some forgotten Eden, their existence speaks to a Creator who delights in diversity, complexity, and beauty.
Critiques and Missed Opportunities
For all its triumphs, Prehistoric Planet isn’t perfect. Beyond the occasional CGI hiccup, the series sometimes struggles with pacing. Its episodes, while filled with breathtaking moments, can feel uneven. Action-packed sequences give way to slower, contemplative stretches that, while beautiful, may test the patience of younger viewers.
And then there’s the matter of depth—or the lack thereof. While the series does a phenomenal job bringing dinosaurs to life, it leaves much of the science behind their creation unexplored. How do paleontologists reconstruct behaviors from fossils? What debates exist within the scientific community? A deeper dive into these questions could have added an enriching layer to the experience.
A Family Affair
One of the greatest joys of Prehistoric Planet is how it bridges generations. It’s a series you can watch with your kids, grandkids, or even your parents. For the little ones, it’s an introduction to a world of wonder. For adults, it’s a chance to revisit childhood curiosities. And for families, it’s an opportunity to connect, discuss, and marvel together.
In an age where screen time often divides us, a series like this is a rare gift—a shared experience that sparks joy and conversation.
Final Thoughts: Marveling at the Maker
At its core, Prehistoric Planet is a love letter to life itself. It’s a reminder that this Earth—past, present, and future—is full of wonders that reflect the character of its Creator.
Yes, it’s speculative. Yes, it’s imperfect. But it’s also inspiring, thought-provoking, and deeply entertaining. As Christians, we can embrace it as both art and invitation—a chance to celebrate the God who made the dinosaurs and the minds that brought them back to life on our screens.
Rating: 8.5/10
