Craft Wars
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Craft Wars is a reality competition featuring avid crafters competing for a cash prize. Despite the title, it's pretty mild and boasts very little drama. The logo for the show's sponsor, Michaels Arts & Crafts, clearly visible throughout the show.
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What's the Story?
CRAFT WARS is a reality competition featuring creative crafters facing off in themed challenges for a cash prize. Hosted by Tori Spelling, each episode features three contestants who, along with a partner of his/her choice, must create items with specific materials to show off their creative project design and construction skills. After facing a panel of judges that includes craft book author Erica Domeset, craft entrepreneur Stephen Brown, and creative expert Jo Pearson, one contestant must pack up their glue gun and go. The two remaining contestants must impress the judges by creating a master project that is worthy of the $10,000 prize.
Is It Any Good?
The series highlights how people can use their imagination and creative skills, as well as some hard work to create a wide range of items from various materials, like gym bags out of footballs and tennis rackets, and children's playhouses out of left over school supplies. But unlike "how to" or DIY shows, it offers very little explanation of what specific techniques people are using during the construction process.
While seeing what folks construct out of odd materials is interesting, the most compelling parts of the show are when contestants run out of time and/or are unable to pull an idea together. And even these moments fall a little flat. Folks who enjoy crafting may find some of the projects featured here interesting, but the overall show is pretty uninspiring.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about crafting. What is the difference between doing crafts and creating art? Are crafters mostly women, or is this a stereotype?
Did you know that crafting is a $30 billion dollar industry? How can this reality show potentially contribute to the financial success of this business?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 26, 2012
- Cast: Jo Pearson, Stephen Brown, Tori Spelling
- Network: TLC
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Arts and Dance
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: July 2, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Chopped
Drama-free cooking show that's great for family viewing.
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Project Runway
Check this one out before sharing with fashion-crazed teens.
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Top Design
Project Runway meets interior design.
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