Family-friendly reality shows

Staying In

TV vérité that will please both kids and parents. By Mike Albo

Family-friendly reality shows

Mythbusters hosts Adam Savage & Jamie Hyneman

Buddy Valastro (center) with Next Great Baker contestants.

Photograph: Discovery Channel63.ti.enoughalready.01.jpg739071
Photograph: Discovery Channel63.ti.mythbusters.01.jpg739092
Photograph: TLC/George Lange63.ti.nextgreatbaker.05.jpg739113
Photograph: Mike Crouch63.ti.extrememakeoverhome.04.jpg739134

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Photograph: Discovery Channel

Ubiquitous, often saccharine and hard to avoid, reality television is easily the junk food of pop culture. But some programs may contain hidden vitamins and minerals. Here are a few that won't make your crew mentally obese.

Enough Already! with Peter Walsh
Inspire tykes to clean out their closets by watching organization guru Peter Walsh clear families' clutter—and the emotional baggage that comes with it. Youngsters will be enthralled by Walsh's ability to put everything in its place. He's a true modern-day Mary Poppins. OWN; Mon 8–9pm; premieres Mon Jan 3.

MythBusters
This show's five intrepid cohosts use the scientific method to test the validity of common myths. Last season the team investigated the speed of sneezes by capturing their own ah-choos with high-speed cameras. If only every science teacher had the same budget. DiscoveryChannel; see schedule at discovery.com.

Next Great Baker
In this Cake Boss spin-off, ten contestants vie for the chance to become a chef in Buddy Valastro's Hoboken bakery by competing in elimination challenges, such as decorating a Monopoly-themed cake. Valastro's no-nonsense personality keeps the show entertaining without treading into the less-wholesome territory of that other Jersey reality show. TLC; Mon 9–10pm; through Jan 24.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
A team of carpenters and decorators led by wiry host Ty Pennington renovates the homes of families who've faced hardships. The show, which is in its eighth season, can get a bit treacly, but it's still a great example of volunteerism and cooperation. Youngsters will also dig the houses' fast-paced construction; they go up so so quickly, it almost seems like a magic trick. ABC; Sun 8–9pm.