Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed

First, a word of caution: If you like being mystified by magic and illusions, then this series will be a major letdown. By the end of one 60-minute episode, not only will you be an expert on the stunts you've seen revealed, but you'll come to view any others you see in the future with a highly critical eye. The narrator's explanations of how the pros use lighting, props, and assistants to channel an audience's attention toward -- and away from -- certain aspects of a trick means that from this day forward, you'll find yourself analyzing every move a magician makes to discover what it hides.

But if you crave knowing the tricks of the illusionary trade, then this riveting series is for you -- and with virtually no worrisome content, it's a great choice for families with older kids and up. Magic aficionados of all ages will also enjoy the show's how-to sessions that break down simple tricks that they themselves can use to amaze their friends. Just be sure you restate to kids the obvious caution against trying the more dangerous tricks (those involving buzz saws, for instance) on their own.