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Planet Mechanics

(Rated TV-Y, Reality TV, Starring Dick Strawbridge, Jem Stansfield, Adam Longworth, Where to watch: Planet Green)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Dynamic duo offers mechanical solutions for greener world.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series promotes a pro-green message by showing how workable mechanical inventions can successfully be created to harness and use alternative fuels. That said, there's no information about the long-term use of these devices.

  • Role models:

    Strawbridge and Stansfield are likable people with an environmental concience. They try to help others reduce their energy consumption in a safe and eco-friendly way.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some of the experiments can post a potential risk to people if not done correctly. The duo occasionally has to deal with rough weather and other natural phenomena while trying to harvest natural resources.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Occasional insults like “idiot."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The pair sometimes discusses projects with people over beer at pubs or celebrates with a drink after a job well done.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Planet Mechanics

Parents need to know that this British series about engineers who help people find ways to use eco-friendly power sources is pretty tame overall. Expect a few mild insults (like “idiot”), some talk of possibly getting hurt if/when a mechanical device fails, and a bit of social drinking. Most of the show's experiments aren't dangerous, but it's still a good idea to tell your kids that they shouldn’t copy them at home unless they're supervised by an adult.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what might be used as an alternative power source in their own community. Would it be a natural resource like water or air? What about waste materials?
  • If using alternative power sources is good for the environment, why don’t more people use them? What are some of the problems with using these alternatives?
  • Are shows like this designed to entertain, educate, or both? Do they succeed?
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