Consumer 101

- Season 1

(2018)

Host Jack Rico shows you how to choose the right bike helmet, how to protect your wireless router from hackers, and a teen driver gets a lesson from a top expert.

Host Jack Rico dives into the fascinating technology behind the cars of the future, participates in an unusual challenge involving a kitchen appliance, and we go shopping with the help of a top scientist.

Host Jack Rico is on a mission to rid microscopic pollutants from the air in your home. He helps out in a laboratory that tests vacuum cleaners, and finds out whether it's worth trying to repair your smartphone screen yourself.

Host Jack Wico shows you how to keep your cool when hydroplaning, how to organize your fridge to save money and waste less food, and how to stay safe using peer-to-peer payment apps.

Host Jack Rico heads to the Consumer Reports auto test track to get behind the wheel with a top car tester at his side to learn how to drive like a pro. The he meets the test teams who subject door locks to all sorts of abuse to see how strong they are and whether they truly protect your home from would-be burglars. And if traveling coach leaves you feeling sore, sleepless and frustrated, don't miss these tips to transform your economy experience into a journey fit for royalty.

It's high noon in the test lab as host Jack Rico faces off with a Consumer Reports expert in a power drill challenge. And, many people love to grill but cleaning it afterwards can be a chore so Jack brushes up on his grill cleaning techniques. Then, 4K, HDR, LED: modern TVs seem to have a language all of their own so we set out to decode television terminology.

It's a work out like no other as host Jack Rico struggles to keep up with "Johnnie," an automated device used to test treadmills. Then, we get a fascinating look inside the mind of a top scientist by asking him to perform a simple task: clean a kitchen. And, to buy or to lease? We have some useful tips to help you arrive at the right decision when buying a car.

Host Jack Rico helps Consumer Reports technicians turn up the heat on barbecues in the test lab to see how well they cook and how strong they are. Then, credit card ownership can be full of pitfalls so Jack learns some money saving strategies from an expert. And, they may fit your bed but how do you fit them into your linen closet? Consumer 101 has the 411 on folding a fitted sheet.

Host Jack Rico learns how to drive off road with the help of a top Consumer Reports expert. Then we have some useful tips to keep your phone charged up while on the go. And we learn the best way to organize a yard sale.

With the help of a high school marching band we get a fascinating a look at what happens to sound in an "anechoic chamber," a room with no echo. Then, host Jack Rico learns all about modern car safety features with the help of Consumer Reports experts. And Jack finds out the dos and don'ts of preparing a meal safely.

Host Jack Rico learns what to do if you start hydroplaning on a wet road. Then he gets advice from a top Consumer Reports expert on how to protect your Wi-Fi router from hackers. And a fascinating look inside the mind of a top scientist as he performs a simple task: going shopping.

Many consumers love their smart TVs but how much information does it gather from you? We meet the teams that evaluate sunscreen to keep consumers safe from the harmful effects of the sun. And a Consumer Reports expert shows host Jack Rico the safest and most effective way to pack up your car for a trip.

Host Jack Rico learns the correct way to paint a wall from a Consumer Reports expert with a similar name. Then we take to the skies as Jack learns all about drones. And we look at the science behind fuel economy testing.

Host Jack Rico digs deep into how to find the right snowblower to clear a driveway. Then, is there a safe way to use a cell phone while driving? And with the help of a Consumer Reports expert, Jack learns all about choosing the right mattress to help get a good night's sleep.

Host Jack Rico heads to the Consumer Reports auto test track to learn from a top car tester how to drive like a pro. Then we have some top tips on how to stay safe when using a peer to peer payment app. And we get a fascinating look inside the mind of a top scientist by asking him to perform a simple task: clean a kitchen.

Host Jack Rico meets the Consumer Reports team which tests how well cars handle a sudden swerve to avoid an obstacle in the road. Then we head to the gadget durability lab where testers scratch, drop and dunk cellphones and other devices to see how well they hold up. And some smart advice on how to protect your home from burglars when you go away on vacation.

It's an eye opening wake up call as host Jack Rico discovers how much added sugar could be lurking in his breakfast. Then, we discover how to build a stronger password to prevent would-be hackers from accessing our private data. And a first car is an exciting prospect for a teen but worrying for a parent. Some invaluable tips from a Consumer Reports expert on what to look for.

Host Jack Rico gets a first hand look at how to keep his house powered up during a blackout. Then, we meet a man who put a million miles on his car, and a Consumer Reports expert shares some tips to help you get more miles out of your car. And, Jack learns the secrets behind making a delicious, and healthy, smoothie.

Host Jack Rico learns how to safely anchor furniture to prevent it from tipping over and injuring a child. Then, a Consumer Reports expert shows us how to protect ourselves from mosquitoes and ticks. And, fed up with a slow internet, Jack searches for a better Wifi connection.

Host Jack Rico explores the pros and cons of smart doorbells. Then, the clock is ticking as Jack and a Consumer Reports expert race to discover how to become healthier in a snap. And, got a gunky laptop? We get some top tips on how to clean a computer from...a computer.

With the help of a high school marching band we get a fascinating look at what happens to sound in an "anechoic chamber," in a room with no echo. Then, it's an eye opening wake up call as host Jack Rico discovers how much added sugar could be lurking in his breakfast. And, did you know bike helmets expire? Jack picks up some useful information to put in his tip jar.

This isn't your grandpa's antenna. Join host Jack Rico as he learns about the resurgence of TV antennas, and why some consumers are tuning in with this retro-tech. Then, Jack gets some help with his air travel anxiety from a Consumer Reports expert. And, a cookware tester shows us how important your choice of pots and pans is if you want to make a great meal.

Interested in keeping your private data secure from internet hackers? Host Jack Rico plays a simple game to help you create more complex passwords. Then, your car's dashboard is full of warning lights, but do you know what they actually mean? And find out what to do about hidden fees with the help of a Consumer Reports expert.

Think your smartwatch is pretty clever? See how these gadgets are tested to verify their accuracy. Then, a Consumer Reports expert helps us navigate the world of hybrid, electric and other eco-friendly vehicles. And host Jack Rico gets his groove on in the speaker testing lab.

We may love our smart TVs but how much information do they gather from us? Then, host Jack Rico learns all about modern car safety features with the help of Consumer Reports experts. And Jack learns the secrets behind making a delicious, and healthy smoothie.

Host Jack Rico shines some light on how Consumer Reports experts test a car's headlights. Then we see how testers scientifically measure the noise levels of a whole range of everyday appliances so they can help consumers make sound choices. And, a warning you won't want to miss about how to protect yourself from a bed bug nightmare.