 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
American Guns
- Discovery Channel
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Macho but mild reality series set in a gun shop.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this reality series provides an inside look at the operations of a gun store, with a heavy emphasis on "macho" men and their occasionally coarse behavior and language (including bleeped "f--k" and "s--t"). More than any of the people featured, guns are often the real star of this show, and the show could be interpreted as glorifying firearms and violence. The show does provide a largely positive and informative look at the inner workings of a small independent business and a historical and mechanical perspective on the firearms it depicts.
What's the story?
Located outside Denver, Colorado, Gunsmoke is considered one of the premiere firearms facilities in the world. They sell every kind of gun you can imagine, from high-powered automatic rifles to antique pistols dating back hundreds of years. AMERICAN GUNS follows the Wyatts, the family owners of Gunsmoke, as they attend to the day-to-day business of buying and selling guns upon guns. Whether it's building a custom weapon for a high-end collector, talking a rich Texan out of his antique rifles for a song, or managing the sales team back at the store, this is a family that lives and breathes guns.
Is it any good?
American Guns belongs to a specific subgenre of reality series -- the family business show. Whether it's baking cakes, building custom motorcycles, or buying and selling firearms, the real story on each series is the family dynamic that fuels these unique businesses. American Guns actually strikes a good balance between moments of interfamily drama and the actual business they run.
When it comes to the business of their store Gunsmoke, there's no question that these are people who live and breathe firearms. Knowing the very real violence that is often committed with guns, it can be hard to relate to their enthusiasm. Fortunately there are angles explored beyond just the glorification of weaponry, whether it's the historical background of classic guns or the engineering challenges involved in building custom guns. Whether you're a pacifist vegan or a meat-eating hunter, the Wyatts' passion and knowledge for their business makes American Guns a compelling watch.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the show's depiction of its characters. Do they seem like stereotypes in any way? Why or why not?
Why do you think the Wyatt family agreed to do this show? What do they get out of it? Is there any downside?
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| TV rating: | NR |
| Network: | Discovery Channel |
| Cast: | Paige Wyatt, Renee Wyatt, Rich Wyatt |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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