Making It – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Making It

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show1990

87%

WISE Score

6.0

TMDB

Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman host the kindest craft competition on TV—think Great British Baking Show, but with glitter guns and saws.

6.0

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Making It

show

TV-PG, 1990

87%

WISE Score

6.0

TMDB

Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman host the kindest craft competition on TV—think Great British Baking Show, but with glitter guns and saws.

6.0

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6.0

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Screenwise Verdict

Making It is that rare reality competition that doesn't make you feel dirty after watching it. Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman are delightful hosts who clearly respect the contestants and the craft, and the show never sacrifices kindness for drama.

The format works: quick challenges, longer builds, gentle eliminations. It's genuinely inspiring if your kid is already craft-curious, though it won't turn a reluctant maker into a DIY enthusiast. The pacing is slower than most kids' shows—this is summer-afternoon-with-nothing-to-do viewing, not binge-worthy TV.

The 8.0 IMDb and 77 Metacritic scores feel right. It's solidly good without being groundbreaking. If your family likes The Great British Baking Show or if you have a kid who's always building Lego or drawing or hot-gluing random objects together, this is a safe, pleasant watch that might actually spark some creative projects around the house.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-14 who already have some interest in crafts, art, or making things. Younger kids might enjoy it with a parent, but the pacing is leisurely and some segments run long. Adults who enjoy craft shows or wholesome competition will find it perfectly watchable.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman host a craft competition that emphasizes creativity, teamwork, and positive reinforcement over cutthroat drama. The tone is explicitly 'low-key' and 'feel-good,' mirroring The Great British Baking Show's gentle vibe. Judges offer constructive feedback rather than harsh criticism, and while there are eliminations, the show maintains an upbeat, supportive atmosphere throughout.

Imaginative

Contestants tackle diverse crafting disciplines—sewing, woodworking, paper art—across themed weekly projects that increase in difficulty. The show celebrates hands-on creativity and problem-solving, showcasing how everyday materials can become something beautiful or functional. It's genuinely inspiring for kids who like to build, tinker, or make things, though it's more about watching others create than direct participation.

Safe

TV-PG rating with Common Sense Media recommending age 10+. No violence, gore, sexual content, or mature themes. The only potential concerns are mild competitive tension during eliminations and possibly rare mild language. The format is predictable and gentle—no surprise disturbing content. This is about as safe as reality TV gets.

Enriching

Exposes viewers to multiple craft techniques and problem-solving approaches, potentially inspiring kids to try making things themselves. Models resilience when projects don't go as planned and celebrates diverse creative approaches. That said, it's primarily entertainment—you're not learning step-by-step skills, just watching talented people work. The enrichment is more inspirational than instructional, and the entertainment value is solid but not groundbreaking.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely wholesome competition that celebrates creativity without the manufactured drama of most reality TV
Showcases diverse crafting skills (woodworking, sewing, paper art) that might inspire kids to try making things themselves
Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman bring warmth and humor without being cloying—adults can actually watch this without wanting to die
Models how to handle setbacks gracefully when projects go sideways (and they do)
Perfect family co-viewing for craft-loving households

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What to Watch For

Eliminations happen each episode—sensitive kids might feel bad when contestants go home, even though it's handled gently
You're watching people make cool stuff, not learning how to do it yourself—may frustrate kids who want step-by-step instructions
Some younger kids might get bored during longer build segments if they're not already into crafting

Conversation Starters

"If you were on the show, what would you want to make? What materials would you use?"
"Which contestant's style do you like best? Why?"
"Have you ever worked really hard on something and it didn't turn out how you wanted? What did you do?"
"What's something you'd like to learn how to make or build?"

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