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Monster Garage

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Jesse James, Where to watch: Discovery Channel, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 11.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Hot rod builders rev up the car-rehab genre.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 11 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Demonstrates the results of hard work, determination, and teamwork.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    One episode addressed crimes that the prisoner builders had committed, but there were no details. Sparks fly frequently in the shop.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    A fair amount of bleeped cursing.

  • Consumerism:

    Car makes are mentioned regularly. One episode was sponsored by Chevrolet, and a builder made a very positive comment about Chevys during the show.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The prison episode mentions crimes related to drugs.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Monster Garage

Parents need to know that this car rehab show is one of the more original series in its reality TV subgenre. Star/host Jesse James is rough-looking and affects a tough-guy persona, but his kind actions belie his exterior. He works with a different group in each episode, from little people to convicts. Overall the show demonstrates that hard work can be satisfying and that you can turn a pleasure into a profession. James and the other car builders curse occasionally, and though most of the words are bleeped, many are obvious.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about people's fascination with cars. Why do people -- particularly Americans -- go so crazy about their cars? What's the appeal of working on cars, either to fix them up or really trick them out? Do teens have a favorite car? If so, what's so great about it? Families can also talk about turning passions into profit. Is there anything you enjoy doing that you might be able to turn into a career? How would you go about it?
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