John Ratzenberger's Made in America

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What’s the Story?

In JOHN RATZENBERGER'S MADE IN AMERICA, the former Cheers star travels the country visiting the factories that turn out all-American products like Campbell's soup, Sam Adams beer, and Yankee Candles. The series spotlights both the manufacturing process behind these everyday items and the hardworking men and women who take pride in their craft and the products they make. In each episode, Ratzenberger visits two factories, taking viewers on behind-the-scenes tours and chatting with the workers he meets along the way. As they demonstrate and explain the intricacies of their their jobs, Ratzenberger often jumps in to lend a hand and express his amazement at the quality work they do. Each episode also includes a brief discussion of a third company, but video footage and photos take the place of an on-site tour.

Is It Any Good?

There's a lot to like about this enjoyable series, not the least of which is Ratzenberger's natural ease in his role as host. His demeanor with the workers he meets is so effortless and respectful that watching him interact with them is like being a fly on the wall during a conversation between friends. He single-handedly succeeds in giving the series a personal touch that's often lacking in onscreen peers like How It's Made.

Made in America has an obvious educational angle -- you learn a lot watching how common items from salt to cookware are produced. But viewers of all ages also benefit from the respect the show pays to the hard work, craftsmanship, and ingenuity of blue-collar American workers, whose pride in their work shows in the products they create. Family-friendly to the hilt, Made in America's brisk pace caters nicely to the shorter attention spans of young kids and tweens. That said, teens and adults who like to know all the nitty-gritty details of the manufacturing process may feel like the show doesn't go deep enough.