Factory Made
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Behind-the-scenes tours are fun, educational.
Add rating
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
Where to Watch
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
FACTORY MADE takes viewers on virtual field trips through some of the country's most innovative factories, demonstrating how products ranging from cowboy boots to modular homes are constructed. Each step of the production process is broken down with thorough explanation, and viewers see how skilled workers and cutting-edge machinery combine to turn out quality products. Each 30-minute episode features the behind-the-scenes stories of three unrelated consumer goods.
Is It Any Good?
If you and your kids are at all curious about where the stuff you buy comes from, this show is guaranteed to interest you -- and you'll walk away with plenty of fun facts to share with your friends. (For example, who would have thought a factory team could pump out a whopping 60,000 frozen burritos in a single eight-hour shift?) The series is perfectly paced for grade-schoolers' attention spans, since it covers three different products in each 30-minute episode, and the narration is jargon-free and easy for viewers of all ages to understand.
Certain segments will appeal to viewers more than others, depending on your specific interests, but on the whole, Factory Made is worthwhile family entertainment. As a bonus, its focus on factories also shines the spotlight on skilled laborers whose craftsmanship is often overlooked amid the technological marvels of the production line.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how TV shows blend education and entertainment. Does seeing something on TV make it more interesting? Have you ever really thought about where your toys, books, and clothes come from? Families can also discuss everyday items that they're curious about. What products would you like to see made? What materials do you think go into producing them? What specific skills would workers need to make them? Is there anything that you buy that you might be able to make yourself? Would it be a cost-effective process?
TV Details
- Premiere date: May 28, 2008
- Cast: Zach Fine
- Network: Discovery Channel
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Science and Nature
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: February 24, 2022
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.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
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