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World's Toughest Fixes (National Geographic Channel)

common sense media says

Mega repairs are big fun for inquiring families.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this series celebrates the work of skilled professionals like equipment operators, mechanics, and engineers who don't often receive recognition. While there's not too much iffy content, the featured tasks (nuclear turbine repairs, reassembling a passenger jet, and the like) are often dangerous and suspenseful; any misstep could have disastrous results. Some young kids may be alarmed by the workers' -- and the host's -- ominous reminders of the risks, but overall this series offers families of grade-schoolers and up an intriguing glimpse at many jobs that quietly keep our world in good running order.

Positive messages: The series highlights the expertise of the teams involved in carrying out these huge repair projects, pointing out how the workers' individual skills combine to ensure the safety and success of the overall task. Viewers gain a new respect for the people who fill jobs that don't often receive recognition.
Violence & scariness: The featured tasks aren't just tough -- they're also dangerous for the workers, who often discuss injuries they've suffered on similar jobs and remind viewers that problems can arise at any time. Ominous comments like "Things can always go disastrously wrong" are common. Safety precautions are taken, and protective gear is worn.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Rare use of "s--t" (generally in extreme circumstances) is bleeped.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on World's Toughest Fixes

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how shows like this one educate viewers. What did you learn from this show? How can the media broaden our view of the world? How can it influence that view with selective reporting or exaggerated drama? Families can also discuss the jobs they saw performed in each episode. Do any of the jobs you saw interest you? What skills or education did the workers need to do their jobs? What would you like to do for a job? What subjects will you need to study to succeed?

What's the story?

What's the story?
What happens when a high-voltage power line needs repairs, a nuclear plant needs a makeover, or a Boeing 757 has to be taken apart and reassembled before it can carry passengers again? When oversized jobs like these are on the to-do list, it's time to call in the real pros: the engineers, mechanics, and operators whose expertise is critical in executing safe repairs on a massive scale. In WORLD'S TOUGHEST FIXES, host Sean Riley -- himself an expert in rigging and load transfer -- dons the appropriate safety gear to lend a hand and show viewers what it takes to keep big industry in running order.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This fascinating series offers oversized fun for families who enjoy behind-the-scenes peeks at how things work. Riley and the teams of experts are thorough in their explanations of the entire repair process, and the series makes good use of graphics to illustrate what's happening so that even the most novice viewer can understand. Kids and adults alike will enjoy watching the big machines in action and will gain a new respect for professionals in lesser-known fields like mechanics and engineering.

On the whole, the show's content is well suited for families, but very young kids may find the subject matter a bit dull and/or be frightened by the crews' constant reminders of the dangers associated with each job. But for grade-schoolers and up, World's Toughest Fixes is sure to entertain -- and educate -- on a whole new scale.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: National Geographic Channel
Cast: Sean Riley
Genre: Educational
Where to watch: National Geographic Channel

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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qtnn
parent of 10 and 11 year old
 
Perfect for tech-loving kids
Gaining access to some of the most restricted and interesting places on earth, e.g. CERN, the entertaining host finds fun ways to show every aspect of solving huge technological breakdowns. My son is fascinated with the science and big specialized machines. He's learning persistence through difficulty, and I can impress upon him the amount of education and specialized experience the "fixers" on the show must attain. We love watching it together.

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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