Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Obama's outstanding docu about work has some language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Working: What We Do All Day
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Hosted by former U.S. president Barack Obama (Our Great National Parks), whose interest in the working lives of people inspired him to go into public service, WORKING: WHAT WE DO ALL DAY follows various people in different parts of the country by dropping into their daily lives. People working in home health care, tech, and hospitality share what they do each day, why they got into their jobs, and what they dream about doing for work. From entry-level positions to top-level leaders, this docuseries examines how work has changed over time in the United States, and how it continues to pivot as factors like technology and economy shift the working landscape for families across the nation.
Is It Any Good?
Former president Barack Obama continues his foray into documentary film exploration in this inspired inquiry into the people who make up the United States labor force. Working: What We Do All Day is a sober look at how large swaths of American workers hang on by "two threads," as a single mom puts it, stringing together two or three jobs to make ends meet. But the upbeat soundtrack and colorful visual snapshots of historical and regional images keeps the vibe inspirational. Obama himself is a perennial entertainer, eliciting smiles from starstruck interviewees as he drops off styrofoam to-go lunches at their cubicles.
Parents and young teens who are having conversations about professions and jobs would have lots of takeaways after viewing this show. It succeeds in continuing the important investigation of the everyday lives of people in pursuit of the American Dream.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the perseverance it takes to advance in society when a person isn't given opportunities, as evidenced in Working: What We Do All Day. What obstacles do you see at play in this show?
When people are at work, they need to express themselves clearly to their clients and to their co-workers. How can you strengthen your communication skills?
People in this show may have dreams about careers that differ from what they do each day. What do you value? Would you rather take a risk and pursue your dream, or supplement your dream with a "day job"?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 17, 2023
- Cast : Barack Obama
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : Activism
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Integrity , Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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