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Smash Lab

(Rated TV-PG, Educational, Starring Chuck Messer, Deanne Bill, Nick Blair, Where to watch: Discovery Channel)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Crashing and bashing in the name of science.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series demonstrates how existing technology can be reinvented to create new innovations designed to make people's lives safer. The team is Caucasian; Deanne is the only female.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Close up images and replays of cars crashing into barriers at top speed, explosions, and other large-scale events. These moments aren't gratuitous, but are part of the show's scientific experiments.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Smash Lab

Parents need to know that this interesting series -- which focuses on reworking existing technology in order to provide better products intended to protect people -- tests new inventions in large-scale simulations that usually require crashing and blowing up cars or other vehicles in a protected environment. The experiments sometimes fail, but the failures are looked at as stepping stones in the overall design and engineering process. The show will most likely appeal to older tweens and teens who are either a) interested in science or b) like to watch things get smashed up in a big way. Kids (especially teens of driving age) may need to be reminded not to engage in such activities themselves.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how scientists and engineers create new technological innovations. How often do they fail before producing something that works? What can other people learn from that? Families can also discuss how television can promote science and learning. What did you learn from this show that you didn't know before? Are educational shows exciting and fun to watch? Why or why not?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Utah
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Idaho
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 0.0

    Makes JackAss the movie look tame.

    Our kids have enough irresponsibility demonstrated today. They do not need it showcased in the name of "science." The stunts do not have any redeeming value. They have no science value and perpetuate the idea that you can do stupid stunts and get away with it. There are plenty of opportunities missed that could showcase the value of sound research and planning. This show is all about shock value and lame trailers trying to promote a lame show. Smash Lab at its best could not match MythBusters at its worst.

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