Tools for this page
Print

Hard Shine

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Jimmy Shine, Where to watch: TLC)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Wannabe car builders compete for hot-rod gig.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Focus is on hard work, teamwork, and respect. Some trainees have had trouble with the law or drugs, but they're trying to reform.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some heated arguments. Background information touches on one trainee's life as a gangbanger, including getting shot. Some trainees have had parents die, and they talk about it occasionally.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Frequent moderate profanity like "ass," "sucks," and "screwed." Occasional bleeped words.
  • Consumerism:

    Car brands like Ford are mentioned frequently.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some trainees smoke, but it's rarely shown. Some trainees' past struggles with drugs and alcohol are mentioned.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Hard Shine

Parents need to know that this car-oriented reality show pits wannabe car builders -- many of whom come from troubled backgrounds -- against one another for a shot at a job with a prestigious auto body shop. Despite the show's competitive nature, team members are generally polite and supportive of one another. Arguments pop up occasionally as personalities clash, but problems are generally worked out in a positive manner. The host promotes a strong work ethic and models passion for his work. Moderate profanity is common ("ass," "screwed," etc.), with the strongest words bleeped.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about car culture. Why are there so many vehicle-centric reality shows? How does the competition angle affect the dynamic among the folks at the shop? Families can also talk about the appeal of cars in general. Do you have a favorite car? Why do you think some people get so into niche cars like hot rods?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Hard Shine?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 5.0

    I FEEL HOPEFUL

    WTG THIS SHOW SHOWS THAT EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES BUT THERE IS HOPE. ALSO GIVE YOUNG ADULTS SOMETHING TO DO AND LOOK AT THEM. THIS IS REAL LIFE IN THE CAR WORLD. THANK GOD THERE IS A JIMMY SHINE AND SO CAL

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Must See TV

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name