Danger by Design
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
The science of stunt performing good for curious teens.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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What's the Story?
DANGER BY DESIGN is a reality series following daredevil and stunt man Nik Wallenda cheating death through science, skill, and discipline. Wallenda and his crew, including wife Erendira, travel the country performing dangerous stunts without a net to impress audiences. With the help of father and safety coordinator Terry, and his Uncle Mike as his lead engineer, Nik uses science and experience to design and construct equipment that allows him to make acts, like performing acrobatics on a swing pole and riding a motorcycle on a high wire, even more challenging and unique. During the testing phase they're able to decide if the stunt is possible, but it is up to Nik to perform each stunt safely and successfully.
Is It Any Good?
The series shows how Nik Wallenda and his crew use science and raw courage to continue the Wallenda family legacy of performing gravity-defying stunts. Specifically, it shows how they apply the laws of physics and engineering principles to build equipment, and to minimize the chance of getting hurt or falling during the performances.
The simple explanations offered here, as well as the discoveries they make during testing phases, are very informative. However, the real highlight of the series is watching and listening to the Wallendas perform their acts, which can often be seen and heard from cameras and microphones placed up in the air with them. It's definitely entertaining, but viewers are reminded to never try anything that they see here at home.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what drives stunt performers to do the work they do. Is it tradition? The audiences? The adrenaline rush? How does science help them stay safe?
Do you learn anything from watching a show like this? Is this show intended to be educational?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 18, 2012
- Cast: Erendira Wallenda, Nik Wallenda, Terry Wallenda
- Network: SCIENCE
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: July 2, 2022
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