Tools for this page
Print

John Ratzenberger's Made in America

(Rated TV-G, Educational, Starring John Ratzenberger, Where to watch: Travel Channel, DVD)

  • 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 4, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Fun factory field trips will entertain families.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Celebrates the ingenuity and strong work ethic of the American manufacturing industry.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Some factory scenes include shots of welding or hot ovens, but workers always wear ample protective gear.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    The featured companies (Gibson Guitars, Harley-Davidson, Campbell's, Airstream, Titleist, Brooks Brothers, Hallmark, Serta, etc.) get lots of publicity, but not really in a commercial way -- instead, the focus is always on the quality and craftsmanship of the products shown.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Occasionally the series highlights beer manufacturers like Anheuser-Busch.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About John Ratzenberger's Made in America

Parents need to know that the brisk pace of this documentary-style series (each 30-minute episode covers three different factories) makes it a great choice to share with grade-schoolers -- or any other viewers with short attention spans for educational programming. Factory tours and easy-to-understand explanations of the manufacturing process are both informative and entertaining. Kids will be especially intrigued by episodes that highlight products they're familiar with -- like Necco candies or Crayola crayons. Viewers of all ages are likely to gain a new respect for the hard work, ingenuity, and craftsmanship that allow the featured factories to turn out their products.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what "blue-collar" means. Which jobs are considered blue collar? Who do you know in jobs like that? Does society give more respect to people in "white-collar" work (lawyers, doctors, accountants) than to those in manual jobs? Why or why not? How does the media support or undermine stereotypes about blue-collar work? How does the number of TV shows featuring blue-collar characters compare to the number focused on white-collar characters? What does that say about society's take on people's chosen careers?
Tools and tips that can help

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

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about John Ratzenberger's Made in America?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 9+
    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Book of the Week

    Age 15+
    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    Age 3+
    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

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
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.