Shop Class

This show does for workshop chops what shows like Top Chef Junior and Kids Baking Championship do for culinary skills: It makes them appealing to a young audience. The Shop Class student contestants aren't all woodcraft prodigies; some are more experienced than others, some favor the design aspect of the work more than the manual labor, some look at the practice as a hobby, and others see a related career in their future. But that's what allows the show to impart so many great messages -- messages about the value of skilled trades, teamwork, constructive criticism, and critical thinking abilities.

Shop Class is an excellent pick for families to watch together. The diversity among the contestants -- and the effort that's made to showcase both male and female builders in a traditionally male-dominated field -- challenges stereotypes in an effective way. The projects are of manageable size and scope, which encourages the teams to balance functionality with creative flair. For families that want to take watching it to the next level, the show could inspire a collaborative project similar to the ones in the challenge. Even if that's not in the cards, though, the positive themes make this series a worthwhile watch for any age group.