Parents need to know that tweens who are interested in history will hopefully be hooked on this PBS gem, but the show will probably seem a bit dry for kids used to colorful, fast-paced cartoons (unfortunately). On occasion, the show features weapons and tobacco/alcohol-related items, as well as artwork and photographs with images that may be considered violent (such as battlefield scenes). But all items being appraised are presented in a historical context, and there's no graphic discussion of violent acts or promotion of alcohol or tobacco products. A few attendees seem in it only for the (potential) money, but overall both the appraisers and the attendees are models of knowledge and curiosity.

Families can talk about the history tied to specific items. If an old gun is on display, for example, questions could include: In what era was it made, and what is its specific use? Was it made during war time? How was the gun made (given the existing tools and technologies of the time)? Who might have used the gun and why? Or, if an old cocktail set or cigar box is up for appraisal: What's the history of alcohol and tobacco in the United States? How did early settlers discover that tobacco can be smoked? How did tobacco become one of the largest cash crops in America? There's lots of good discussion fodder in most of the items featured on the show.