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Operation Junkyard

(Rated TV-Y7, Reality TV, Starring Rob Czar, Kamaya Jones, Where to watch: Discovery Kids)

  • 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?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Teen engineers race to build gadgets from junk.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Kids use their knowledge of science and mechanics to design and build machines. While the teams are heavily male-dominated, the girls who do participate are integral decision makers. The hosts play up the show's competition aspect via some mild trash talking.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    No swearing, but some mild trash talking ("I did want you to come back for the finals, but I just don't think it's going to happen," etc.).

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Operation Junkyard

Parents need to know that this reality challenge series' competitive side is mostly played up by the show's hosts, who often exchange good-natured jabs over their respective team's progress and expected victory. The competitors themselves are usually focused on the task at hand. Teams tend to be dominated by boys, but when girls join in, they're integral to the building process. (One of the two overseeing engineers is female, too.) The series showcases teamwork, ingenuity, and general scientific application in an energy-filled format that grade-schoolers will enjoy.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the allure of competition. Why are game shows and reality contests so popular? What, if anything, can viewers learn from them? Do any seem more worthwhile than others? Which ones, and why? Why do people in general like taking part in contests of strength and stamina? What do we learn about ourselves by participating? Have you done anything that tested your strength and stamina? Are there lessons in both winning and losing? What are they?
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