TV Details
Starring
Genre
More details
See more TV reviews

Factory Made (Discovery Channel)

common sense media says

Behind-the-scenes tours are fun, educational.

parents & educators say
See 1 review | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this intriguing educational series -- which shows how human ingenuity and cutting-edge technology combine to produce everyday items we often take for granted -- is like taking multiple field trips in a 30-minute chunk of time. That makes it an ideal choice for families looking for entertainment and learning opportunities rolled into one. It probably won't capture the attention of very young kids, but grade-schoolers and up are likely to view everyday consumer goods with more curiosity after these behind-the-scenes glimpses.

Positive messages: The show encourages viewers' curiosity about the production process behind everyday items. It also showcases how ingenuity and engineering cooperate to make production faster and more cost-effective and celebrates the craftsmanship of the factories' skilled laborers.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Companies' names are mentioned, but it's obvious that the show's intent is to educate rather than market products.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Factory Made

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how TV shows blend education and entertainment. Does seeing something on TV make it more interesting? Have you ever really thought about where your toys, books, and clothes come from? Families can also discuss everyday items that they're curious about. What products would you like to see made? What materials do you think go into producing them? What specific skills would workers need to make them? Is there anything that you buy that you might be able to make yourself? Would it be a cost-effective process?

What's the story?

What's the story?
FACTORY MADE takes viewers on virtual field trips through some of the country's most innovative factories, demonstrating how products ranging from cowboy boots to modular homes are constructed. Each step of the production process is broken down with thorough explanation, and viewers see how skilled workers and cutting-edge machinery combine to turn out quality products. Each 30-minute episode features the behind-the-scenes stories of three unrelated consumer goods.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
If you and your kids are at all curious about where the stuff you buy comes from, this show is guaranteed to interest you -- and you'll walk away with plenty of fun facts to share with your friends. (For example, who would have thought a factory team could pump out a whopping 60,000 frozen burritos in a single eight-hour shift?) The series is perfectly paced for grade-schoolers' attention spans, since it covers three different products in each 30-minute episode, and the narration is jargon-free and easy for viewers of all ages to understand.

Certain segments will appeal to viewers more than others, depending on your specific interests, but on the whole, Factory Made is worthwhile family entertainment. As a bonus, its focus on factories also shines the spotlight on skilled laborers whose craftsmanship is often overlooked amid the technological marvels of the production line.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Discovery Channel
Cast: Zach Fine
Genre: Educational
Where to watch: Discovery Channel
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

Review It

 

Review Factory Made

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

undergurl
kid, 12 years old
6
 
Thi is a great show! I dont' watch it every tiem it is on but I like it very much. I enjoy learning about how things are made, I want to become an engineer when I grow up!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see Factory Made?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more TV
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines