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Design Squad

(Rated NR, Reality TV, Where to watch: PBS, Download)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Tween-aimed reality show engineers entertainment.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The cast is made up equal numbers of boys and girls and includes Asian-American and African-American teens. Occasionally girls mention that they feel less respected than the boys, saying they hear comments like "go in the kitchen," but the overall tone is light, and collaboration and teamwork are key to the teams' successes.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Mild trash-talking between teams ("You're gonna be walking the walk when that thing doesn't work"), but it's all in good fun.
  • Consumerism:

    The Intel Foundation gets mention for sponsoring the show and the grand prize college scholarship.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Design Squad

Parents need to know that this tween-oriented reality series follows two teams of high schoolers who match wits in machine-building competitions. The groups rely on collaboration and teamwork to design and create solutions to various engineering challenges, and they're always respectful of each others' ideas and willing to discuss lots of possible scenarios. What sets this series apart from other reality shows is the teens' positive attitude -- they don't get upset over losses, instead celebrating (and congratulating) their peers' ingenuity. Tweens with the building bug will love this smart series -- and with four girls in the cast, viewers will be reminded that engineering isn't just a guy thing anymore.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what sets this show apart from other reality programs. Do you think it even qualifies as a true "reality" show? Why or why not? Which TV shows seem the most "real" to you? Families can also discuss the show's challenges. Tweens, how would you have designed a machine with the given specifications? What if you could change the rules? What other tools or supplies would you use, and in what ways? And don't forget to touch on teamwork. How do team members brainstorm ideas? Is it easier to develop a game plan alone or with other people? What are the benefits of working with a team? Are there any drawbacks? What are some important attributes of a good team member?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

    A true educational reality show

    Like "Endurance", this is a reality show specifically targeting kids. I personally find a "design" reality show like this to be boring, but it is a good show. There's diversity in the cast, and you watch actual people design actual things. Bottom line: If you don't might spending half an hour watching educational reality TV, check this show out.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

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