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The Works (History)

common sense media says

In-depth, fun look at the science of the everyday.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this informative show goes in-depth into the history and science behind things like garbage, skydiving, and tattoos. Aside from occasional forays into topics involving things like beer and guns, there's no iffy content to worry about, and lots of intriguing, educational information. The show fosters curiosity and the joy of learning.

Positive messages: The show fosters curiosity and reinforces the pleasure that comes from learning and understanding new things. Includes lots of science and history, which can pique interest in learning more. Fairly objective take on things like garbage -- no preaching.
Violence & scariness: Depends on the episode -- one looks into the history and science of guns and ammunition. But most episodes have no violence whatsoever.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: One episode focuses on beer, but otherwise nothing to worry about.

More on The Works

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about any everyday items they're curious about. Is there something you do or use every day that you wish you knew more about? What could you do to find out more? Who would you talk to first? Can you get others involved in learning more? Does learning about something through a TV show make it more fun? Why or why not?

What's the story?

What's the story?
With the guidance of Daniel Wilson, a hip smartypants with a Ph.D. in robotics, THE WORKS looks behind the everyday experience to explore the history and science of things like garbage, tattoos, skydiving, and more. Wilson takes a hands-on approach to learning as he does things like spend a day with a garbage collector in New York City to understand what goes into managing the globe's 251 million annual tons of trash. He walks viewers through the entire process of each topic he investigates, tossing out interesting statistical tidbits along the way. Viewers will see how, for instance, recycled paper is converted into new pizza boxes within 12 hours of being collected at the curb.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The Works doesn't break any new ground. We've seen other reality shows go into great (and sometimes disgusting) detail on the behind-the-scenes processes that make up our daily life. But while the show isn't revolutionary, it's educational and goes a little deeper than some other shows that just skim the surface. Graphics and analogies help tell the stories. For example, the show about garbage tells us that the average human produces 4.6 pounds of trash per day -- which equals the weight of eight elephants per year.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: History
Cast: Daniel Wilson
Genre: Educational
Where to watch: History

This review was written by Sierra Filucci
 
 

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Mr. Carthic
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no one 11 and under may see this

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