Watch Made In America
- TV-G
- 2004
- 5 Seasons
-
8.4 (87)
Made in America is a travel TV series on the Travel Channel, starring John Ratzenberger. The show premiered in 2003, and it ran until 2008. During its six-year run, it gained a considerable following due to its ability to showcase the various manufacturing processes that happen in America. Through Made in America, viewers get to see various American factories, shops, and workshops, and learn about the people who work in these establishments.
The show follows host John Ratzenberger, who is best known for his role as Cliff Clavin on the television show Cheers. Unlike in Cheers, where he played a mailman, in Made in America, Ratzenberger plays himself. He travels around the country, including regions like the heartland, New England, and the South, searching for different types of manufacturers.
The concept of Made in America is simple but captivating. Ratzenberger visits factories and workshops that manufacture some of the most common products that Americans use every day. For example, he visits a furniture factory in North Carolina where workers produce furniture made from solid wood. He also goes to a baseball bat factory in Kentucky and a steel mill in Indiana.
Each episode focuses on a specific product and its production process. The show does a great job of showing the different techniques used to make things that customers take for granted. In the furniture factory episode, Ratzenberger shows how artisans use immense machines to turn logs into furniture. In the baseball bat factory, viewers get to see the woodturning process and learn about the history of baseball bats. The steel mill episode is especially interesting to watch, as it focuses on a single molten beam that gets transformed into usable steel.
Perhaps what makes Made in America stand out from other travel shows is its ability to provide a comprehensive look at American manufacturing. It covers every aspect of manufacturing, from the raw materials to marketing the finished product. In some instances, Ratzenberger also delves into the history of the products he is featuring. For example, the show has an episode that focuses on the history of the mail system in America.
The show also does a great job of highlighting the people behind the products. It interviews factory workers, engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs who keep the American manufacturing sector running. It shows the passion and pride that goes into every product made in America.
One of the key takeaways from the show is the importance of buying American-made products. Ratzenberger believes that importing too much, especially from countries with cheap labor, can lead to the decay of American industries. Therefore, he encourages viewers to buy products made in America to keep the manufacturing industry alive.
Overall, Made in America is an informative and enjoyable show that provides an in-depth look at American manufacturing. It is a must-watch for anyone who is curious about the people behind everyday products. The show may have stopped airing in 2008, but its message of supporting American manufacturing still holds true today.
Made In America is a series that ran for 5 seasons (96 episodes) between January 6, 2004 and on Travel Channel