Craftopia
Common Sense says
- HBO Max
- Game Shows
- 2020
Parents say
Kids say
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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 Craftopia is a crafting competition series for kids hosted by YouTube star Lauren Riihimaki (aka LaurDIY). The competition and overall vibe here is gentle and friendly, without the trash-talking or tears one sees in certain game shows for adults. Consumerism-wise, there are some brand name prizes featured prominently, but no outright calls to purchase anything.
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What's the story?
CRAFTOPIA is a playful, kid-centered crafting competition hosted by YouTube star Lauren Riihimaki, whose "LaurDIY" channel boasts nearly 9 million subscribers—a fact we are reminded of at the top of each episode. She is joined by a rotating crew of guest judges (such as "Nerdy Nummies" YouTuber Rosanna Pansino) who critique the crafts and give helpful feedback. Unlike some competition-based game shows which start with a large group of contestants and whittle them down week by week, Craftopia features a new trio of DIY mavens in each episode. By the end of each installment, only one kid can reign as Craft Master, but the runners-up still win valuable prizes and cash gifts for their troubles.
Is it any good?
The series has many strengths: the hyper-colorful, glitter-bedecked "craft store" set makes an eye-catching backdrop for a variety of DIY challenges faced by a new trio of competitors in each episode. The fact that Craftopia's contestants change in each episode is also kind of cool since viewers get the chance to meet a bunch of different kids, all of whom have varied interests and skills. One episode may feature a kid who crochets so fast you'd swear he was part robot, while another considers herself a "fashion crafter" who expresses her personal style through customized clothing and accessories. The kids are also demonstrably supportive of one another; there's no back-biting or pettiness here. It's not super deep, and the stakes don't feel particularly high since even the runners-up win pretty sizable cash prizes (as well as bonus gifts like airbrush supplies and karaoke machines), but it's still an enjoyable enough way for parents and tweens to spend some TV time together -- and maybe find some inspiration for their own creative projects.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the nature of competition, specifically in regards to the way people can sometimes behave on game shows -- and in real life. The kids on Craftopia seem to admire one another's skills and projects instead of feeling threatened by them. How does this show humility? Why is this an important character strength?
The kids on Craftopia are competing to win the title of "Craft Master." What does it take to earn this kind of status? Is it about the supplies used, or about time and practice?
TV details
- Premiere date: May 27, 2020
- Cast: Lauren Riihimaki, Rosanna Pansino, Toya Moore-Broyles
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Game Shows
- TV rating: NR
- Available on: Streaming
- Last updated: June 11, 2020
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
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