Consumer 101 - Season 2

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.