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American Inventor

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Peter Jones, George Foreman, Matt Gallant, Where to watch: ABC)
  • 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

    For Thomas Edison wannabes of all ages.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    While the contestants are perfectly cordial to each other, the judges can be arrogant and struggle to work as a team.
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    One contestant showed some skin but was quickly eliminated.
  • Language:

    In the early rounds, some eliminated contestants said things like "damn," "hell," and "ass."
  • Consumerism:

    All of the contestants would love to get their ideas manufactured and marketed.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About American Inventor

Parents need to know that many of the contestants on this series have put everything on the line to develop their invention. Expect lots of tears; some contestants weep with joy when they're able to continue in the contest, while others sob when eliminated. Overall, the contestants are likeable; the only drama occurs within the dynamics of the group of judges.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about all the factors that come into play for inventors: dedication, confidence, creativity, passion. It's not enough just to be book smart or a smooth-talking salesperson to succeed in this arena -- it takes years of hard work and unyielding dedication to perfect an invention. Is there anything you're that committed to? Families can also talk about the challenge of bouncing back after being eliminated. When the odds are stacked against you, is it worth it to put everything on the line for the sake of making it?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    I cried! I laughed! I closed my eyes and ears...

    Great show! Be aware though, language, um... girls who... but only once, so please close your eyes. The judges don't get along, but the eventually they agree. This show can be very funny, very serious, and VREY emotional. Good for more mature kids.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

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