Prototype This!
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
High-tech inventions will wow curious families.

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?
Do you ever wish you had someone to feed you breakfast and brush your hair in the morning? Have you ever sat in traffic and daydreamed about a car that could squeeze between the freeway lanes? For the cast of PROTOTYPE THIS, modern inconveniences like these present opportunities for ingenuity. In each episode, experts Dr. Zoz Brooks, Joe Grand, Dr. Mike North, and Terry Sandin combine their skills in electronics, engineering, special effects, and fabricating to tackle a problem with a solution that seems to challenge modern-day expectations -- proving time and time again that anything's possible if you don't limit creativity.
Is It Any Good?
Whether you're an aspiring inventor or still stumped by the genius behind the paper clip, you'll be fascinated by this intriguing series. Sure, we've all had big ideas about designing the world's first full-body airbag, but how many of us have actually sat down at the drawing board and started designing it? That's the kind of challenge this impressive team of experts faces, and they leave no stone unturned in their quest to create a viable prototype for each scenario. After all, what good is a freefall airbag if it can't deploy itself in an emergency, fill with just the right amount of air to break an otherwise fatal tumble, and then deflate enough to cushion the landing?
Prototype This has it all -- a likeable cast of experts who clearly enjoy what they do, plenty of educational value, low-lying messages about teamwork and respecting one another's strengths, and real-world examples of solving problems and turning mistakes into learning experiences. Not only are the final products a wonder, but the entire design and testing process is a captivating journey through the world of cutting-edge technology and its applications for the future. So encourage your family to put on their thinking caps and join forces for this fun, thought-provoking series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about inventing. Does this series inspire you to solve a problem through an invention? What would you create? What tools and technology would you use? How do you think your invention would change people's lives? How do problems create opportunities? Families can also discuss the sciences. What scientific specialties were represented in this show? How did the experts put their knowledge to use on this problem? What aspects of science interest you?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 15, 2008
- Cast: Joe Grand, Mike North, Zoz Brooks
- Network: Discovery Channel
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Science and Nature
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: November 4, 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