Antiques Roadshow - TV-G

PBS gem mixes appraisals, history, and suspense.

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Common Sense rates it
5
Seen the show?
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details
  • TV Rating: TV-G
  • Network: PBS
  • Cast: Mark L. Walberg, Chris Jussel, Dan Elias
  • Genre: Educational
  • >Available On: Download

Parents need to know

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.

Message

Social Behavior:

Role models are the very knowledgeable appraisers who are experts in their fields, and the Roadshow attendees who want to know all about their items (attendees range from serious collectors to those who've just uncovered a fascinating old painting in Grandma's closet). A few attendees are obviously upset when their "family treasure" isn't worth big bucks.

Consumerism:

The show sometimes features collections of vintage advertising and products from companies like Coca-Cola, Michelin, Quaker Oats, and other iconic American corporations.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

The show occasionally features collections of alcohol-related items (like swanky cocktail sets, crystal flasks, beer steins, and even beer cans). Also featured from time to time are collections of tobacco-related items like cigar boxes, pipes, and advertising. No drug-related items are shown.

Violence

Items for appraisal include weapons (like Civil War swords and Winchester rifles). On occasion, appraisers explain how the items were used, but there's never discussion or images of graphic violence. Some artwork may also depict violent scenes, such as battlefields.

Sex

Language

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Ellen Dendy

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW is an informative appraisal show in which everyday objects can turn into priceless treasures. Each episode takes place in a different U.S. city. Attendees bring their collectibles, heirlooms, and random items of mysterious origin for appraisal by antiques dealers and experts from respected auction houses. An owner might think he or she has a Civil War sword (with the papers to prove it), but the appraiser delivers a shocking revelation -- it's a fake, and here are the reasons why. Or a garage-sale addict who paid $5 for a pottery jug is stunned when the appraiser reveals the truth: The jug was made by a slave and is worth $500,000. Most episodes also feature a special segment in which the host joins a local expert for an informative tour of a local museum or other organization that specializes in a certain type of antique or collectible.

Is it any good?

5

There's so much to learn from Antiques Roadshow. It's not nearly as fast-paced as most of network programming, but if you're at all interested in history, waiting for the verdict on each item can be more suspenseful than the scariest thriller. And the breadth of history is never-ending because there's no end to the types of featured items, their origins, and the time periods in which they were made and used. An appraisal of an ancient Chinese vessel might be followed by an appraisal of rhinestone sunglasses once owned by Elvis Presley, and so on.

The show also inspires kids to learn more about their own family history and heirlooms, as well as the value and all-around fun of collecting. Appraisers tell owners and viewers how to avoid purchasing fakes and forgeries and how to care for and restore precious objects. Sometimes kids even appear on the show, talking to appraisers with ease and pride about their personal treasures.

Other choices

History Detectives
Antiques Roadshow UK
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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 2 reviews.

3

Posted on 04/20/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 14

Get in touch with history and heritage

Hey, I like this show. If your the kind of kid or adult who likes history and o see people's faces light up when they hear their great-grandfather's old steamer trunk from immigrating to America is worth a boat-load of money (no pun intended), this show is for you. I wouldn't watch it regularly, but it's nice to watch once and a while to get in touch with history and heritage.
0


Posted on 04/17/07 by nzrulz Kid contributor, age 14

OMG how can this be 10+!!??!!

This is the most boring show you will ever watch (unless you are over 50 years old) All that happens in this show is elderley people bringing in there paintings and china plates to ask how much money they are worth. Seriosly only watch this show if you are BORED to death!!

Adult Reviews

There are 0 reviews.

There are no adult reviews.

Kids Reviews

There are 2 reviews.

3

Posted on 04/20/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 14

Get in touch with history and heritage

Hey, I like this show. If your the kind of kid or adult who likes history and o see people's faces light up when they hear their great-grandfather's old steamer trunk from immigrating to America is worth a boat-load of money (no pun intended), this show is for you. I wouldn't watch it regularly, but it's nice to watch once and a while to get in touch with history and heritage.
0


Posted on 04/17/07 by nzrulz Kid contributor, age 14

OMG how can this be 10+!!??!!

This is the most boring show you will ever watch (unless you are over 50 years old) All that happens in this show is elderley people bringing in there paintings and china plates to ask how much money they are worth. Seriosly only watch this show if you are BORED to death!!
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