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LA Ink

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Sexy, girl-powered Miami Ink spin-off.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The show focuses on people working hard at something they're passionate about. The shop is woman owned and operated in a male-dominated profession. Mostly white staff and clientele.

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    No blood, but viewers do see the tattoo needle piercing people's skin.
  • Sex:

    Some sexually provocative clothing and poses -- lots of black leather, tight denim, cleavage, etc.
  • Language:

    "F--k" and other strong swear words are frequently bleeped, while milder choices like "hell" and "damn" go uncensored.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Occasional drinking or mention of smoking.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of LA Ink was written by Sierra Filucci

Parents need to know that this reality show is very much pro-body art, and the risks of getting a tattoo aren't addressed directly. Though viewers don't see blood, they do see the tattoo needle piercing the skin. Some of the stories behind clients' tattoos are emotionally gripping, such as those involving the loss of a friend or relative. Some of the clothes worn by the tattoo artists and their clients are fairly provocative -- expect lots of black leather and tight denim. Also expect to hear frequent bleeps as the show tries to keep up with the profanity pouring out of both artists' and clients' mouths.

Families Can Talk About

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  • Families can talk about professions that tend to be dominated by one sex or the other. Why do you think most tattoo artists are men? Which professions are dominated by women? What leads to gender domination in different professions? How does that one-sidedness effect the prestige and profitability of the job? Families can also discuss tattoos. What are parents' and kids' opinions on tattoos? If they differ, why? Do people's opinions about body art tend to change as they get older? Why? Why is getting a piece of body art a big decision? What are some of the risks in tattooing?
Did this review help you decide?

Will your kids tune in?

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More on LA Ink

What’s the Story?

After tattoo artist Kat Von D split from the shop featured in Miami Ink, she opened her own shop in Los Angeles -- the subject of this reality show. LA INK tracks the characters and action at the tattoo parlor. Clients getting body art share the reasons for their choices. Stories can be both sad and inspiring, like people who get tattoos in remembrance of a deceased friend or family member. In contrast to the male-dominated world of Miami Ink, Kat's shop is heavily female. The talented women (whose tendency to dress in revealing clothes gives LA Ink a racier feel than its Miami counterpart) boast a variety of specialties, from pin-up images to portraits to colorful floral displays.

Is It Any Good?

Surprisingly, the show's real draw are the tattoo artists -- visually interesting characters whose personalities can be warm and appealing. But the show's focus on body art means that parents may feel uncomfortable with some of its content, from dark images like skulls and weapons to piercings and other body manipulations (like a split tongue that twists and turns in potentially provocative ways). Though safety precautions are clearly taken throughout the tattooing process, the risks associated with needles or infection aren't explicitly discussed.

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title off for age 13 and give it 1.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Negative role models

    Horrible show, iffy for mature teenagers.

    This show is gross. Kids shouldn't be exposed to the indecency of being completely covered in tatooes. I'm not saying tatooes are bad, but when you are completely covered in them, especially if they are obscene, satanic, or demonic, it's just sick.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Von D's Go Girls

    I am so happy that Kat is able to up her own shop!!! I willnot be watching Mimia Ink that guy needs help I feel that he will be looseing all of his worker even viewers he lost me!!!! Kat u rock. I am very happy 4 u. I do not have tats but I will b in LA soon and will look u up for my First.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title off for age 0 and give it 3.0

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 3.0

    sexy girl powered spin off of miami ink

    i agrea with commensense all the way p.s. you should read the commensense review there head on there

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 3.0

    hgrty

    gyherh

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