Your favorite duo is back! Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman hosted the six-episode season 1 of Making It, a competition between eight of the most talented “makers”. Through hand-crafted projects and designs, the makers compete to impress the judges and take home the grand prize of 100,000 dollars. Every week, the day starts with a “Faster Craft”, a quick challenge that could earn them a patch. Then, for the following 3 hours, competitors would work on a “Master Craft”, which was typically a themed collection that required precision, creativity, and time-management, and one contestant is eliminated each round.

The two hosts, are best known as the loveable characters from Parks and Recreation as the eccentric Leslie Knope (Poehler) and the rough-around-the-edges manly Ron Swanson (Offerman). There are even hidden Parks and Recreation easter eggs in the show, including Ron Swanson’s own canoe displayed in the barn, as in one of the episodes. Poehler and Offerman’s humor and bright attitudes lifted the seriousness of the show and brought an excitement to the competition, cracking puns and jokes that had the audience laughing along. Despite the sad ending of each episode as one contestant is eliminated, Poehler and Offerman still manage to lighten up the mood; there is always one small tidbit at the end where they are filmed at a small cottage with the eliminated contestant, joking and chatting.

The competition itself was both interesting and informative. Some of the contestants were professionals at creating and designing various projects, while some were at-home creators with a crafting passion. Each had a specialty; some were woodworkers, paper crafters, felt artists, bloggers, and interior designers. The competitors demonstrated many different methods and ways to craft from household objects, as well as inspiring ideas that the audience could easily attempt at home. Many of the craft challenges were based on local materials, including one based around using recycled materials to create party seatings and games. Each project has a story behind it and allowed many makers to express their backstories through their creations. A backstory consistent throughout the competition included contestant Khiem Nguyen’s romance with his fiance, which inspired many of his project. The two judges, Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy trend expert, and Simon Doonan, creative ambassador at Barneys New York, are highly educated and experience in crafting and creative projects.

The constant humor, the immense creativity, and the overall friendly yet competitive vibe makes this show perfect for watching with your family or binging late at night.

— Poehler and Offerman have already stated that Season 2 of Making It is confirmed.–

By: Lauren Zou