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Parents' Guide to

Craftopia

By Jenny Nixon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Tween crafters compete in fun, family-friendly DIY series.

TV Max Game Shows 2020
Craftopia Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

sloanauto
sloanauto Adult
October 21, 2021
age 18+

Show went raunchy (?!) Not kid safe anymore.

Season 1 was a charming, body positive show about creative kid power, healthy competition and losing graciously. Season 2 Ep1 is a halloween special about Candy! ALERT: The kids are gone, and now the contestants talk about unprotected a**l sex with multiple partners, b***hes, dingle berries, and not knowing what the h***l to do. I was also disappointed that this body positive show picked a very sexualized, full breasts exposed person calling herself a b***h for their first ever trans contestant. Its as if the producers never saw a single episode from Season 1. Not even sure this review I’m leaving would pass the common sense media rules. But it is accurate, and I wish I had known in advance.
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

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

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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