Parents' Guide to

How the States Got Their Shapes

By Matt Springer, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Upbeat study of state boundaries encourages curiosity.

TV History Educational 2011
How the States Got Their Shapes 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 14+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Robyn79
Robyn79 Adult
February 7, 2020
age 14+

Mentions too much sex!

This show is being shown in my 5th graders classroom. I do not feel that at least the one episode I saw was classroom appropriate and if that episode was that way I’m sure the others have similar commentary.

This title has:

Too much sex
baypoint
baypoint Adult
April 25, 2015
age 13+

Be Aware - Season 2 - Talk about SEX in Certain Episodes

For the most part we like this show, you can really learn a lot. Season one was pretty good and safe to watch. Season 2 - Episode 8 - Battle of the Bible Belt was inappropriate for my preteen kids. Talked about sex and which religion is getting more!! Couldn't believe what I was seeing, that was way too much to handle. The clips that they showed of people laying intimately made my son look away in embarrassment. We had to turn it off. Just wish I would have known to skip that one. Worried about Episode 9 - Vice vs. Virtue now. I will have to prewatch it. Just thought I would share with you our experience. This is on netflix kids so just be aware.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The big, bold strokes of American history are common knowledge from grade school history classes. HOW THE STATES GOT THEIR SHAPES dives deeper into the country's rich story to spotlight the unique combination of people, events, and nature that created the boundaries of the 50 states. On-the-street interviews, computer graphics, and visits to historical locations keep the show fast-paced and light.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (3 ):

Did you know there's a restaurant where the border between Tennessee and Georgia cuts through the building? You can eat in one state and use the bathroom in another.

These are the kind of stories host Brian Unger shares on How The States Got Their Shapes. It's amazing how many fascinating tidbits there are to be found in how each US state came to rest within its current boundaries. While the show doesn't innovate (if you've seen one History Channel show, you're familiar with the format ), the use of computer-generated illustrations and on-the-street interviews keeps things moving. Unger is an amiable and eager host, willing to try almost anything -- he spends part of one episode being attacked by Asian carp in Illinois and gets the laughs and scars to prove it. There's plenty of material to explore in regional American history, and this series explores it well.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the tools the show uses to depict history and state borders. Does the show's style help communicate the history?

  • What did you learn about America that you didn't know before seeing the show?

TV Details

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