Tools for this page
Print

Monster Garage

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

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

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Monster Garage?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Book of the Week

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Another Lupica sensitive dad/son sports story.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Game of the Week

    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

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