Son loves the dirt and I love the hilariously snarky host.
Dirty Jobs
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Ick and shtick will appeal to older tweens and up.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 11 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Dirty Jobs was written by Pam Gelman
Parents need to know that this series' humor doesn't come just from the grubby vocations being reported on, but also from the irony of seeing Mike Rowe -- a well-spoken, likeable television host -- up to his elbows in the dirty jobs of everyday American laborers. The show includes adult-oriented sarcasm, but chances are it will go over the head of most kids. Younger viewers will be enthralled by the series' dirt, stench, and general ick, but the language and humor make it best for older tweens and up.
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about the featured jobs and the physical strength, bravery, and stamina displayed by those who do them day in and day out. Rowe enjoys informing viewers about these occupations and the importance of what these workers do in their communities -- but, in the end, are we as viewers respecting these average Americans or gawking at them?
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More on Dirty Jobs
What’s the Story?
Mike Rowe may seem like the least likely person to get messy. He's sung with the Baltimore opera, sold jewelry on QVC, and worked for years as the host of a local TV show about the San Francisco Bay Area. It was while working on that show that he did a segment on a local dirty job, found a niche, pitched it to the Discovery Channel, and -- voilá! -- DIRTY JOBS was born. The series may make some viewers uncomfortable, but those with an iron stomach will enjoy watching Rowe and his cameraman, Troy Paff, meet the men and women who work in some pretty disgusting yet important vocations. Rowe has donned his work clothes to feed slop to hogs, help catch rattlesnakes, work with septic-tank technicians, remove bones from fish, and much more.
Is It Any Good?
Rowe's nonstop, sarcastic one-liners are a large component of the show -- they help him get through his experiences. For example, when pouring spoiled milk to pigs, a farmer shares a story about once giving them fermented ice cream, which got the pigs drunk. Rowe's reply? "Sure, might as well have a shot before going off to meet your maker." Rowe is affable with the workers, and they seem generally tickled to be showcased. But considering that Rowe once muttered "stupid job" when he wasn't able to catch a runaway hog, it's hard not to wonder whether there's a bit of condescension involved, too.
Young kids may enjoy watching Rowe dive for golf balls in alligator-infested waters, but with its adult humor, Dirty Jobs is better for older tweens and up.
Our Members Say
See all 18 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Just good clean fun
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I rate this title iffy for age 6 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
Good for older kids
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I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
13+
It's a great show, but some episodes contain swearing.
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Dirty Jobs
Awesome show! A great dedication to all those unappreciated hard workers out there that people never seem to pay any attention or give credit too. Mike Rowe is a great role model and sends very possitive messages. I give this show 5 stars.
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
Best show
I love this show. I could watch it for hours and hours!! MY whole family loves it. We watch it whenever its on or try to a least.I think it's a cool way for kids to learn not to think their life is messy and hard. If they watch this I know they think wrong about the messy part. I do.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 50% | of parents say they notice product placement |
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