Consumer 101 - Episode Guide

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

Host Jack Rico delves into the fascinating technology behind the cars of the future, participates in an unusual challenge involving a kitchen appliance and goes 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, 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 Rico 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.

Jack gets behind the wheel with a top car tester at the Consumer Reports test track, explores testing door locks for strength and protection, and shares tips for transforming your economy air travel experience into a journey fit for royalty.

Jack faces off with an expert in a power-drill challenge. Cleaning up after grilling can be a chore, so he brushes up on his grill-cleaning techniques. Plus, we set out to decode television terminology.

Jack struggles to keep up with "Johnnie," a device used to test treadmills, gets a look inside the mind of a top scientist by asking him to perform a simple task: clean a kitchen, and shares useful tips for buying a car.

Technicians turn up the heat on barbecues in the test lab, and Jack shares money-saving strategies for credit card owners and explains how to fold fitted sheets so they fit in your linen closet.

Jack Rico learns how to drive off-road with the help of a top Consumer Reports expert; and he shares some useful tips to keep phones charged up while on the go and the best way to organize a yard sale.

A high school marching band helps explain what happens to sound in an anechoic chamber, a room with no echo; Jack Rico learns about car safety with the help of Consumer Reports experts; plus the dos and don'ts of preparing a meal safely.

Jack Rico learns what to do when hydroplaning on a wet road; gets advice from a top Consumer Reports expert on how to protect Wi-Fi routers from hackers; and takes a look inside the mind of a top scientist as he performs a simple task -- shopping.

Many consumers love their smart TVs, without knowing how much information they gather; teams evaluate sunscreen to keep consumers safe; a Consumer Reports expert shows Jack Rico the safest and most effective way to pack a car for a trip.

Host Jack Rico learns the correct way to paint a wall from a Consumer Reports expert with a similar name; learns all about drones; and looks at the science behind fuel economy testing.

Jack Rico digs deep to find the right snow blower to clear a driveway; seeks a safe way to use a cellphone while driving; and with the help of a Consumer Reports expert, learns all about choosing the right mattress to help get a good night's sleep.

Jack Rico heads to the track to learn how to drive like a pro; peer-to-peer payment app tips; a fascinating look inside the mind of a top scientist performing a simple task -- cleaning a kitchen.

Jack Rico meets the Consumer Reports team that tests how well cars handle sudden swerves; visits a gadget durability lab, where testers scratch, drop and dunk devices; and offers advice on how to protect your home from burglars while on vacation.

Jack Rico discovers how much added sugar might be lurking in his breakfast; learns how to build a strong password to deter would-be hackers from accessing private data; and a Consumer Reports expert offers invaluable tips on a teen's first car.

Jack Rico learns how to keep his house powered up during a blackout and the secrets behind making a delicious, healthy smoothie; a Consumers Reports expert shares some tips to help get more miles out of your car.

Jack Rico learns how to play safely anchor furniture to prevent it from tipping over and injuring a child and searches for a better Wi-Fi connection; a Consumer Reports expert demonstrates mosquito and tick protection.

Jack Rico explores the pros and cons of smart doorbells; the clock is ticking as Jack and a Consumer Reports expert race to discover how to become healthier in a snap; top tips how to clean a computer.

A high school marching band provides a fascinating look at what happens to sound in an anechoic chamber, a room with no echo; Jack Rico discovers how much added sugar lurks in his breakfast, and he learns that bike helmets expire.

Jack Rico learns about the resurgence of TV antennas and why some consumers are tuning in with this retro-tech; a Consumer Reports expert helps Jack with his air-travel anxiety; the importance of pot and pan choice in making a great meal.

Jack Rico plays a simple game to help create more complex passwords; Jack explores when the warning lights on a car's dashboard actually mean; a consumer report expert shares what to do about hidden fee.

Gadgets such as smart watches are tested to verify their accuracy; a Consumer Reports expert helps navigate the world of hybrid, electric, and other eco-friendly vehicles; Jack Rico gets his groove on in the speaker testing lab.

Jack Rico learns how much user information smart TVs gather; Consumer Reports experts teach Jack all about modern car safety features; Jack learns the secrets to making a delicious and healthy smoothie.

Jack Rico shines some light on how Consumer Reports experts test a car's headlights; testers scientifically measure noise levels of a whole range of everyday appliances to help consumers make sound choices; how to protect against bed bugs.

Host Jack Rico discovers how online ads are aimed at consumers, and some simple steps you can take to avoid being targeted. And, we hit the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center for a wild ride, as experts test a tire's slip and grip on wet pavement. Then, uncover the hidden sugar that could be lurking in your breakfast.

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 we head to a lab that dunks, scratches, tumbles and drops electronics to see how tough your gadgets really are.

Host Jack Rico climbs aboard the newest advancement in micro-mobility: shared-ride scooters. Consumer Reports experts teach us how 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, we learn how to choose headphones that best fit our lifestyles. Then, 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 into the newest advice on how to keep your Wi-Fi 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 Wi-Fi 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 in a trip to the kitchen, 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 clear your driveway.

Jack Rico learns a few lessons about how to avoid a deer strike while driving; plus, how a password manager keeps passwords private; packing a carry-on like a pro; five things to 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 countertop 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 to 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 smartphones' permissions. Plus, discover what you can do to keep ticks out of your yard.

Jack Rico shares how car seats are tested for safety and learns how to install a car seat; while on vacation at a lake house, Jack discovers the benefits of a DIY home security system; Jack enters a game show and races to become healthier in a snap.

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

Host Jack Rico learns about towing boats, trailers and more as he prepares for a day on the water; teenager Olivia helps Jack test drive strollers; a Consumer Reports expert teaches how to choose the right mattress to help get a good night's sleep.

A Consumer Reports expert shares some tips with host Jack Rico on staying safe while using public WiFi. Find out how roofing materials are tested and discover what you can do to keep your roof in pristine condition. Then, Jack gets a firsthand look at how to keep his house powered up during a blackout.

A Consumer Reports expert teaches Jack Rico how to buy a used car, but the dealer has Jack doing double takes; Jack tracks a runaway robot to the robot vacuum lab; Jack learns his food prep technique needs some coaching when he makes a game-day meal.

Producers pitch ideas for how to safeguard digital privacy in a behind-the-scenes look at a show story meeting; Jack Rico gets a blast from the past and a peek at the future of electric vehicles; how to get rid of nasty allergens in the home.

Jack Rico discovers how to find the right car without driving it off the lot; Jack learns hiking tips, including how to protect from mosquitos, when to use sunscreen and how to take better pictures outside; plus, the pros and cons of smart doorbells.

Experts share tips for thoroughly cleaning the inside of a car; Jack Rico visits the Consumer Reports air conditioner lab to learn how they test ACs; a high school marching band provides a look at what happens to sound in a room with no echo.

Jack Rico discovers the ins and outs of safely sharing the road for cars and bikes; Consumer Reports experts test the latest noise-cancelling headphone technology in a room with no echo; plus, how to protect against a burst pipe in the home.

Host Jack Rico puts hot car stories to the test with a Consumer Reports expert and learns the dangers of leaving children and pets unattended in the back seat; the importance of pots and pans in making a great meal; preparing ACs for summer heat.

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; a lawn mowing expert shares lessons in yard maintenance; helpful tips for buying a smart TV.

Host Jack Rico plays "That Sounds Shady" to guess which scenarios sound like online privacy traps; then he learns how to buy a used car from a Consumer Reports expert; plus, a runaway robot brings Jack to the robot vacuum lab.