Parents' Guide to

Everything You Need to Know

By Lucy Maher, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Fact-filled fun for tweens with curious minds.

TV Discovery Channel Educational 2006
Everything You Need to Know Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

See all

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What's the Story?

Every episode of EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW offers viewers a master class on subjects from hurricanes and poison to junk food and fireworks. In each installment -- which is illustrated by both still photos and live shots -- narrator Matt Liston explains the history of the subject being explored and its relevance to our lives today, including fast facts sure to satisfy trivia buffs. In an episode on diamonds, for example, viewers found out how the gems go from mine to market and how diamond engagement rings became de rigueur. They also learned about conflict diamonds, the rise of the De Beers company, and a more recent discovery called synthetic diamonds.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

There's very little to dislike about Everything You Need to Know. While viewers used to fluffier fare might not find it their cup of tea, curious minds will be entertained, and parents can rest assured that their kids are getting a nutritious half-hour of television. Just be sure to scan the listings for any episode topics that might upset or scare younger viewers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about using TV and the Internet for learning. What Web sites can kids go to when it's time for homework? Which TV shows can be trusted to give good information? This might be a good opportunity to go over which shows kids can watch (and which sites they can visit) and which are off-limits.

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.

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.

See how we rate