Tools for this page
Print

Everything You Need to Know

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Fact-filled fun for tweens with curious minds.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Reinforces the idea that learning doesn't have to be boring.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Occasional references to/images of "true life" violence -- such as sharks searching for prey or civil war.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Everything You Need to Know was written by Lucy Maher

Parents need to know that this educational series tackles some weighty, potentially scary topics. In an episode on diamonds, for example, "conflict diamonds" and the current African civil wars were mentioned, while another episode focused on sharks. Parents might want to preview episodes to make sure that the topics are OK for their kids.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about using TV and the Internet for learning. What Web sites can kids go to when it's time for homework? Which TV shows can be trusted to give good information? This might be a good opportunity to go over which shows kids can watch (and which sites they can visit) and which are off-limits.
Did this review help you decide?

Will your kids tune in?

Have you seen it? Review It!

More on Everything You Need to Know

What’s the Story?

Every episode of EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW offers viewers a master class on subjects from hurricanes and poison to junk food and fireworks. In each installment -- which is illustrated by both still photos and live shots -- narrator Matt Liston explains the history of the subject being explored and its relevance to our lives today, including fast facts sure to satisfy trivia buffs. In an episode on diamonds, for example, viewers found out how the gems go from mine to market and how diamond engagement rings became de rigueur. They also learned about conflict diamonds, the rise of the De Beers company, and a more recent discovery called synthetic diamonds.

Is It Any Good?

There's very little to dislike about Everything You Need to Know. While viewers used to fluffier fare might not find it their cup of tea, curious minds will be entertained, and parents can rest assured that their kids are getting a nutritious half-hour of television. Just be sure to scan the listings for any episode topics that might upset or scare younger viewers.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

What did you think about Everything You Need to Know?

or

to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

    More Great Stuff For Your Kids

    • New in Theaters

      The Princess and the Frog

      The Princess and the Frog

      First African-American Disney princess is a good role model.

    • Advice for Parents

      Tips for a Healthy Media Diet

      Tips for a Healthy Media Diet

      New gadget gifts? Get help setting limits.

    • Must See TV

      Team Umizoomi

      Team Umizoomi

      Super team teaches preschoolers real-life math applications.

    • Pick of the Week

      Bestselling Books

      Bestselling Books

      Popular new reads kids are buying today.

    • Game of the Week

      Reader Rabbit Kindergarten

      Reader Rabbit Kindergarten

      Fave brainy bunny hops to DS for learning romp that talks.

    Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
    • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
    • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
    • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

    This will never be displayed to others.
    Your email will never be displayed to others.
    Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
    A screen name protects your privacy
    To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

    Set-up your account
    This will never be displayed to others.
    Your email will never be displayed to others.
    Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

    Choose a screen name
    It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
    A screen name protects your privacy

    Tell us your children's ages
    You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
    We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
    is
    until
    (optional)
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    Add another child

    We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

    Set-up your account
    This will never be displayed to others.
    Your email will never be displayed to others.
    Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

    Tell us your children's ages
    You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
    Why we ask for this
    We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    Add another child

    Choose a screen name
    It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
    A screen name protects your privacy
    Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
    I'm already a Common Sense member.
    Kids under 13 must use a screen name