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Black Gold

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Thom Beers, Where to watch: truTV)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Reality show has crude men going after crude oil.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The crews are almost exclusively Caucasian. There are no women, except in some scenes that take place at a bar -- and at the side of the men in the office -- which reinforces traditional gender roles.

  • Violence:

    One of the drillers talks graphically about losing his thumb on the rig -- seeing the bone coming through and all. But beyond one worker getting whacked by a chain (and then getting up again), little blood is actually seen.

  • Sex:

    Talk of picking up girls. One of the guys gets patted on the seat.

  • Language:

    These guys could make a Marine sergeant look like a choir boy. The strongest words are bleeped, but you can tell they're using "f--k" all over the place.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    One of the drillers and his crew get seriously drunk. Minimal cigarette smoking, but at least one of the guys appears to have chewing tobacco in his mouth.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Black Gold

Parents need to know that life on the oil rigs showcased in this series is mean, dirty, and very dangerous, with lots of foul language. The strongest words are bleeped, but it's clear that these guys could put sailors to shame. The danger is very real, and one of the drillers talks very graphically about losing his thumb on the rig, then later bellows at one of his roughnecks that if he doesn't move his foot, the driller will cut it off. Traditional gender roles also seem to be in play, though they're not overt about it.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the show's message. Do you think it's trying to make a political point about oil? If so, what? Parents, ask your kids whether they think the opinions being expressed on the show are fair. Families can also discuss the appeal of "dangerous jobs" series like this one. What's so fascinating about getting a glimpse of these worlds? Do you think these shows are more or less realistic than other reality series?
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