Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mega repairs are big fun for inquiring families.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
What happens when a high-voltage power line needs repairs, a nuclear plant needs a makeover, or a Boeing 757 has to be taken apart and reassembled before it can carry passengers again? When oversized jobs like these are on the to-do list, it's time to call in the real pros: the engineers, mechanics, and operators whose expertise is critical in executing safe repairs on a massive scale. In WORLD'S TOUGHEST FIXES, host Sean Riley -- himself an expert in rigging and load transfer -- dons the appropriate safety gear to lend a hand and show viewers what it takes to keep big industry in running order.
Is It Any Good?
This fascinating series offers oversized fun for families who enjoy behind-the-scenes peeks at how things work. Riley and the teams of experts are thorough in their explanations of the entire repair process, and the series makes good use of graphics to illustrate what's happening so that even the most novice viewer can understand. Kids and adults alike will enjoy watching the big machines in action and will gain a new respect for professionals in lesser-known fields like mechanics and engineering.
On the whole, the show's content is well suited for families, but very young kids may find the subject matter a bit dull and/or be frightened by the crews' constant reminders of the dangers associated with each job. But for grade-schoolers and up, World's Toughest Fixes is sure to entertain -- and educate -- on a whole new scale.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how shows like this one educate viewers. What did you learn from this show? How can the media broaden our view of the world? How can it influence that view with selective reporting or exaggerated drama? Families can also discuss the jobs they saw performed in each episode. Do any of the jobs you saw interest you? What skills or education did the workers need to do their jobs? What would you like to do for a job? What subjects will you need to study to succeed?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 28, 2008
- Cast : Sean Riley
- Network : National Geographic Channel
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : STEM
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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