Netflix releases LEGO episode of The Toys That Made Us. Is it worth watching? [Review]

For Netflix-viewing LEGO fans, the LEGO episode of the The Toys That Made Us has finally made its debut. For those unfamiliar with The Toys That Made Us, it is an eight-part documentary series that delves into the histories of various toy lines including Barbie dolls and Star Wars action figures. Being an avid LEGO history buff, I have been eagerly anticipating the LEGO episode ever since the premiere of season one this past December, so I made sure to watch the episode as soon as it was available. Is it worth watching? Read on and decide for yourself!

Placing over 80 years of history within a 45-minute segment is a pretty tall order, but the show does a good job of providing a general overview of the LEGO story, and everything comes together to form a cohesive narrative. The show touches on most of the major milestones and themes that have helped come to define the company over the years, including the 1958 patent, making toys that fit the system of play, the birth of the minifigure, and even the act of turning crisis into opportunity (i.e. LEGO’s rebound from near financial ruin in the early 2000s)

While the story as a whole is here, the 45-minute length comes at the expense of in-depth content. If you go into it expecting something revelatory, you are more likely to wind up disappointed. For example, while designers do appear in the show, I wish there were more backstory regarding the development of classic sets like the Yellow Castle and Galaxy Explorer. It would have also been nice to explain why LEGO ended their relationship with Samsonite in the 1970s. Again, I realize it all boils down to time–and not enough of it.

Adult fans of LEGO will also be quick to note the complete lack of coverage on the adult fan community. Some fans share impressions of LEGO history on camera, but you won’t really see much in the way of custom models or conventions. This is less of a gripe for me because the focus of the show is on sharing a broad history of the company. While the fan community is certainly a part of that history, it is almost expansive enough to warrant its own episode.

If you have studied LEGO history before, you will probably be familiar with most of the facts that are presented. This was true for me, but I was also able to learn a few things I hadn’t known before. For example, I had no idea LEGO bricks were partially inspired by the colorful paintings of Dutch modern artist, Piet Mondrian.

So should you watch the LEGO episode of the Toys That Made Us? If you consider yourself to be a well-read LEGO historian, you might not find anything new here. If that’s the case, you might either want to pass or share a viewing with your friends and family. If you have an interest in LEGO products but are unfamiliar with the history of the brand, the show provides an entertaining introduction to the LEGO story. If anything, it might even inspire you to investigate specific areas of LEGO’s history even further….and maybe you will make the next LEGO documentary!

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5 comments on “Netflix releases LEGO episode of The Toys That Made Us. Is it worth watching? [Review]

  1. Håkan

    I think Piet Mondrian wasn’t an inspiration to the brick building system, but to the classic primary color scheme, used more or less consistently between the late 50’s and the late 90’s.

  2. Gomek

    Well, I did learn why the yellow castle was yellow. Oddly enough while I agree that was one of the sets that took Lego to the next level, I always hated that yellow color. Ironically I have also discovered over time that I fell in love with Lego despite the primary color scheme, not because of it.

    Anyway, I agree that they did a pretty good job and i would also have liked to see another hour on it.

  3. David Shaw

    I own the complete* yellow castle. Got it new when it came out. It’s on Bricklink.
    *I have no idea if a particular black 1×2 brick would come from one of the horses or a Police car set…
    But aside from that… It is complete (no box) But with instructions

  4. Ryan

    Weird phrasing: ‘is it worth watching? Read on an find out yourself’. Maybe you vcould watch it so you can find out for yourself in stead of reading someone’s personal opinion.

  5. Grant Cubberly

    Apparently they used Aaron Newman’s voodoo brothers build without permission. :/

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