Consumer 101

- Season 2

(2019)

Jack Rico discovers how online ads are aimed at consumers and shares simple steps to avoid being targeted; Consumer Reports experts test a tire's slip and grip on wet pavement; Jack uncovers hidden breakfast sugar.

Smart speakers are everywhere - do you know what data they're collecting and sharing about you? Host Jack Rico gets a lesson on how to protect his privacy while using a smart speaker. And, you probably clean your pots and pans after every meal...but what about your grill? A Consumer Reports expert shows us how to keep your summer cookouts safe by keeping your grill clean. Then, with more people traveling with only one suitcase, we show you how to pack a carry-on like a pro.

Host Jack Rico spends a day at Consumer Reports being hounded by robocalls, until an expert shows him some easy steps to help minimize those pesky interruptions. And, a Consumer Reports expert gives us a deep dive into the world of online mattress shopping. Then, find out the best way to keep your kitchen appliances in tip top shape.

A Consumer Reports expert shows us how to protect our online accounts by using a password manager. Then, it's the game show challenge of the century as host Jack Rico faces off against two teens to see who can get their dirty car the cleanest in five minutes. And, Jack learns the secrets behind making a delicious, and healthy, smoothie.

Host Jack Rico climbs aboard the newest advancement in micro-mobility: shared ride scooters. Consumer Reports experts teach us to protect our digital privacy by taking control of our smartphone's permissions. And, we get a lesson on modern car safety features at the Auto Test Center.

Host Jack Rico discovers Consumer Reports tire testing taking place in an unexpected location. And then, we will learn how to choose headphones that best fit our lifestyles. Then, later on, you'll learn how to get the most out of your vacuum.

When a neighbor is spotted with a suspiciously lush lawn, it's a case for Detective Jack Rico who investigates and turns up dozens of tips on how to get the most out of his own yard. And, two teens get behind the wheel with a top driving instructor at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center. Then, plug in to the newest advice on how to keep your WiFi router secure, and what to do if a hacker gains access to your network.

Host Jack Rico goes on a long road trip and learns how to make the ride easier for both him and his car. Then, sneezing uncontrollably? Find out how to rid your home of nasty allergens. And, if you find that one WiFi router doesn't cover your entire house, a Consumer Reports expert has a mighty solution that comes in a small package. Learn all about mesh networks and what they can do for you.

In the debut episode of fictional game show "That Sounds Shady," our host Jack Rico guesses which scenarios sound like online privacy traps. And, if you don't know the difference between All-Wheel-Drive and Four-Wheel-Drive, we dive into drivetrains at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center to learn what's powering your wheels. Then, we explore some smooth sounds in the speaker testing lab.

Host Jack Rico gets a blast from the past and a peek at the future of electric vehicles at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center. And, a trip to the kitchen as we discover what it takes to be a Super Snacker. Then, find out how snowblowers are tested year-round, and which one is the right one to use to clear your driveway.

While driving at dusk, host Jack Rico is surprised by a native of the woods and learns a few lessons on how to avoid a deer strike. We find out how a password manager helps to keep your passwords private. Then, with more people traveling with only one suitcase, we show you how to pack a carry-on like a pro. And, we do the right thing for the planet when we learn five things you can definitely recycle.

Host Jack Rico finds fire at Consumer Reports - luckily it's in one of the test labs - and he learns how smoke detectors are tested and how to use a fire extinguisher. Then, he discovers how to cook a delicious meal using only counter top appliances. And Jack heads to the Auto Test Center to get behind the wheel with a top car tester as he learns how to drive like a pro.

Get a behind the scenes look at a story meeting for Consumer 101 as producers pitch their best ideas to help our audience learn how to safeguard their digital privacy. Then, sampling raw dough might be tasty, but did you know it could be harmful for you? A Consumer Reports expert shares some tips to keep you safe in the kitchen. And, discover how to steer clear of hydroplaning when driving in the rain.

When a neighbor is spotted with a suspiciously lush lawn, it's a case for Detective Jack Rico who investigates and turns up tips on how to get the most out of his own yard. Then, Jack discovers Consumer Reports tire testing taking place in an unexpected location. And, we learn how to protect our digital privacy by taking control of our smartphone's permissions. Plus, discover what you can do to keep ticks out of your yard.

Host Jack Rico gets a first hand look at how car seats are tested for safety, and learns how to install a car seat with some expert advice. And, while on vacation at a lake house, Jack discovers the benefits of a D-I-Y home security system. Then, the clock is ticking as Jack and a Consumer Reports expert enter a game show and race to become healthier in a snap.

Host Jack Rico ventures out into the real world with a Consumer Reports expert to find out first hand how they test cars - and what he hears is a bit of surprise. Then, Tidy Bree helps people keep their spaces free of clutter, but can she help Jack clean up his online life and keep his data safe?

Host Jack Rico discovers the ins and outs of towing boats, trailers and more, as he prepares for a day on the water. Then, Jack is joined by teen-aged Olivia, for a test drive- of strollers. 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.

Are public WiFi networks safe? A Consumer Reports expert shares some tips with Host Jack Rico to stay safe when using public WiFi. And, when's the last time you considered what's over your head? Find out how roofing materials are tested and discover what you can do to keep your roof in pristine condition. Then, Jack gets a first hand look at how to keep his house powered up during a blackout.

Host Jack Rico learns how to buy a used car from a Consumer Reports expert, but the dealer has him doing double takes...And Jack tracks a runaway robot to the robot vacuum lab where he discovers how testers put these little suckers through their paces. Then, Jack prepares a game day meal for his friends, but finds out his food prep technique could use a little coaching.

Get a behind the scenes look at a story meeting for Consumer 101 as producers pitch their best ideas to help our audience learn how to safeguard their digital privacy. And host Jack Rico gets a blast from the past and a peek at the future of electric vehicles at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center. Then, sneezing uncontrollably? Find out how to rid your home of nasty allergens.

Host Jack Rico discovers how to find the right car for you...without driving it off the lot. And, helpful tips are everywhere at Consumer Reports - even outside on their hiking trail. Follow along with Jack as he discovers how to protect himself against mosquitos, when to use sunscreen, and how to take a better picture outside. Then, Jack explores the pros and cons of smart doorbells.

You love your trusty family car - so why not show it some TLC and give the inside a thorough cleaning with these expert tips. Then, Host Jack Rico seeks some relief from the heat in the Consumer Reports air conditioner lab and learns how they test ACs in search of the best one for every home. And, 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.

Host Jack Rico discovers the ins and outs of safely sharing the road - whether you're driving a car or riding a bike. Then, check out an anechoic chamber - a room with no echo - where Consumer Reports Experts test the latest and greatest in noise cancelling headphone technology. And, learn how you can protect your home from an unfortunate disaster: a burst pipe.

Host Jack Rico puts some hot car stories to the test with a Consumer Reports expert and finds out about the dangers of leaving children and pets unattended in the backseat. Then, a cookware tester shows us just how important pots and pans can be when you want to make a great meal. Also, Jack learns how to prepare your air conditioner for summer heat - and he discovers how to keep gym clothes smelling fresh and clean.

Host Jack Rico learns about the future of car technology; where cars can talk not only to each other, but to the city's infrastructure as well. Then, Jack learns the value of a close cut as a lawn mowing expert gives him a first hand lesson on maintaining a yard. Also, Jack learns some helpful tips everyone should know before buying a smart TV.

In the debut episode of fictional game show "That Sounds Shady," our host Jack Rico guesses which scenarios sound like online privacy traps. Then, Jack learns how to buy a used car from a Consumer Reports expert, but the dealer has him doing double takes...And a runaway robot brings Jack to the robot vacuum lab where he discovers how testers put these little suckers through their paces.