 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
How the States Got Their Shapes
- History
- Genre: Educational
Common Sense Media says
Upbeat study of state boundaries encourages curiosity.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this hour-long series, which explores the history of the United States from a unique standpoint, encourages curiosity about the country's origins. There is very occasional language ("crap," "hell," "damn"). While the show's content may only be of interest to older kids, it is generally appropriate for younger children as well.
What's the story?
The big, bold strokes of American history are common knowledge from grade school history classes. HOW THE STATES GOT THEIR SHAPES dives deeper into the country's rich story to spotlight the unique combination of people, events, and nature that created the boundaries of the 50 states. On-the-street interviews, computer graphics, and visits to historical locations keep the show fast-paced and light.
Is it any good?
Did you know there's a restaurant where the border between Tennessee and Georgia cuts through the building? You can eat in one state and use the bathroom in another.
These are the kind of stories host Brian Unger shares on How The States Got Their Shapes. It's amazing how many fascinating tidbits there are to be found in how each US state came to rest within its current boundaries. While the show doesn't innovate (if you've seen one History Channel show, you're familiar with the format ), the use of computer-generated illustrations and on-the-street interviews keeps things moving. Unger is an amiable and eager host, willing to try almost anything -- he spends part of one episode being attacked by Asian carp in Illinois and gets the laughs and scars to prove it. There's plenty of material to explore in regional American history, and this series explores it well.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the tools the show uses to depict history and state borders. Does the show's style help communicate the history?
What did you learn about America that you didn't know before seeing the show?
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AGE
good show
good show watch it ever Tuesday night i;ve learned things off that show that i've never knew before
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AGE
great for history loving kids
it's a good show, best for older kids who love history/geography though.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | History |
| Cast: | Brian Unger, Mark Stein |
| Genre: | Educational |
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