Weird U.S.
Duo crisscrosses the country exploring bizarre folklore.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Weird U.S.
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
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Weird U.S. is a collection of bizarre stories and legends from various places in America and throughout its history. The show covers a wide range of topics including murder conspiracies, strange burial rituals, alleged hauntings, and generally odd occurrences. This makes it difficult to predict each episode's content ahead of time, but on the whole it's fine for tweens who aren't bothered by the suggestion of supernatural happenings or fairly tame reenactments of violent events. In some cases the show shines a spotlight on people whose hobbies or lifestyles are odd by conventional standards, but the tone is more curious than judgmental.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
In WEIRD U.S., hosts Mark Moran and Mark Sceurman travel the country to visit the sites of bizarre events and folklore from throughout America's history. From sideshows and pirate museums to haunted lakes and unusual avenues of spiritual enlightenment, these hosts are curious about the country's most curious people and happenings. Along the way, they talk to field experts and local residents to get the real story behind these unreal stories.
Is It Any Good?
As Moran and Sceurman like to say, "History is full of weirdos," and this series certainly makes the case that they're right. Inspired by the duo's book of the same name, Weird U.S. will make you ponder what little-known oddities might exist in your own town as the hosts research peculiar happenings in seemingly normal places throughout the country with events from long ago as well as quirky present-day practices.
Although many of the stories are merely peculiar, some raise topics that will give squeamish viewers the shivers, particularly when it comes to matters such as the supernatural. Similarly, even though the reenactments often are choppy and obscured, they do recount violence such as murder and suicide, so it's best to preview the episodes to ensure they won't be upsetting to your tweens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the stories in each episode. In the case of legends, do you find them plausible? Do the accounts of local residents make you more willing to believe the stories?
To what extent does this show reflect America's appreciation for diversity? Who gets to decide what's "normal" so far as people's behavior or habits go? In what ways is society better embracing ideas that deviate from the traditional norm?
What is this show's intent? After watching it, are you tempted to visit any of the places the hosts explored? Where does your family like to travel?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 31, 2004
- Cast: Mark Moran, Mark Sceurman
- Network: History
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: History
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: August 25, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
A Haunting
Spooky real-life tales might genuinely frighten.
-
How We Got to Now
History's greatest ideas are smart fun for curious families.
-
History Detectives
Lively series reveals history's everyday secrets.
For kids who love history
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