Parents' Guide to

The Works

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

In-depth, fun look at the science of the everyday.

TV History Educational 2008
The Works 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 11+

Based on 1 parent review

Mr. Carthic
Mr. Carthic Adult
May 14, 2010
age 11+

no one 11 and under may see this

See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

With the guidance of Daniel Wilson, a hip smartypants with a Ph.D. in robotics, THE WORKS looks behind the everyday experience to explore the history and science of things like garbage, tattoos, skydiving, and more. Wilson takes a hands-on approach to learning as he does things like spend a day with a garbage collector in New York City to understand what goes into managing the globe's 251 million annual tons of trash. He walks viewers through the entire process of each topic he investigates, tossing out interesting statistical tidbits along the way. Viewers will see how, for instance, recycled paper is converted into new pizza boxes within 12 hours of being collected at the curb.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

The Works doesn't break any new ground. We've seen other reality shows go into great (and sometimes disgusting) detail on the behind-the-scenes processes that make up our daily life. But while the show isn't revolutionary, it's educational and goes a little deeper than some other shows that just skim the surface. Graphics and analogies help tell the stories. For example, the show about garbage tells us that the average human produces 4.6 pounds of trash per day -- which equals the weight of eight elephants per year.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about any everyday items they're curious about. Is there something you do or use every day that you wish you knew more about? What could you do to find out more? Who would you talk to first? Can you get others involved in learning more? Does learning about something through a TV show make it more fun? Why or why not?

TV Details

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