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Cash Cab (Discovery Channel)

common sense media says

Mobile game show drives trivia buffs wild.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this unique game show tests random taxicab riders on their trivia knowledge for a cash prize. Questions are general knowledge and appropriate for all ages, though preteens may not have the knowledge base to fully participate in play-at-home viewing. The host occasionally smirks at the camera when a contestant doesn't know an answer, but the tone of the show is generally lighthearted. The host and/or contestants occasionally use mild curse words, though they're usually bleeped. Be sure to remind kids that they should never get in a stranger's car, no matter what the incentive.

Positive messages: Normal game show greed, but everything is generally good natured. Promotes having a wide range of general knowledge.
Positive role models: Contestants represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities.
Violence: Playful shoulder jabbing is the extent of it.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Occasional "hell" or "crap," though even these words are sometimes bleeped.
Consumerism: As is usual with game shows, many aspects of the show are sponsored. Contestants who use the mobile phone shout-out do so on a Cingular phone, which is blatantly announced by the host. The video question is sponsored by Aflac, and viewers see a brief brand logo before the video plays.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Cash Cab

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can play along with the game. Do kids or parents know the answers that stump the contestants? Who would you call for a "shout-out"?
  • Would you agree to play the game if you got into the Cash Cab unsuspectingly? Do you think it's safe for the driver to be hosting the show while he's driving?
  • How is this show similar to and different from other TV game shows?

What's the story?

What's the story?
CASH CAB and its spin-off CASH CAB CHICAGO are innovative game shows in which unsuspecting New York City (or Chicago) taxi riders answer trivia questions for a cash prize. When customers jump in comedian Ben Bailey's (New York) or Beth Melewski's (Chicago) taxi, they don't realize they're entering a mobile game show. If riders agree to play, the cab starts moving and the game begins. Contestants have the duration of their ride to answer general knowledge trivia questions, which get progressively harder and more lucrative as the driver negotiates Manhattan traffic. But if they answer incorrectly three times, contestants must leave the cab and lose any prize money. Two "shout-outs" are available: one chance to ask someone on the street for help and one call to someone. Those who make it to their destination can double their money by answering a question transmitted by video monitor -- but if they answer incorrectly, they lose everything.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Questions are interesting, with topics ranging from geography to media. Players vary in age, ethnicity, and skill, which adds an extra appeal to the show. The hosts are likable, and his quips are funny without overpowering the flow of the game.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Discovery Channel
Cast: Ben Bailey
Genre: Game Shows
Where to watch: Discovery Channel

This review was written by Sierra Filucci
 
 

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What parents & educators say

7

Most useful reviews by all members

Evan916
kid, 13 years old
 
Great Game Show!
Why are people putting down all of the "what parents should know" ? The only thing I can think of that's inappropriate is some language and product placement. No violence, drugs/alcohal, or sexual content.

yoohoo
adult
 
a good family program
I love Cash Cab. It is fun to play along and the host is great. It is at least something kind of educational to watch when there is nothing else on worth watching. Ben Bailey makes the show fun also and he polite to the participants.

jim1109
adult
 
great show
it's something a little different

Monikat
parent of 6 and 8 year old
 
Educational, Lighthearted, Fun--Better than Kid TV
I'm a parent who thinks that good clean adult TV is often better for kids than most kid-TV. Cash Cab is one of those shows. The bonus is since it is aimed at adults, you will not get bored while watching with your kids. Besides learning the trivia questions, the kids see NYC (warning: they'll want to visit) and see all sorts of people from all walks of life. My kids decided that the difference between some of the adult contestants' successes and failures had to do with how much they paid attention when they were kids in school (nice bonus for me!) The only thing is that since it's a show for adults, we record it so I can zip through the adult commercials.

Poison Ivey
teen, 17 years old
 
OMG I saw the cash cab!
OMG I was on TV! I mean I saw Ben Bailey driving the cash cab with all the lights and stuff and I started spasing out. but anyways it's so fun to watch this show! Like when I'm really bored and if I'm not doing homework or playing hockey or keeping myself busy or watching movies and if it's on tehn I'll watch it! But I'm not even kidding I saw him and I was shaking like crazy!

nickoftime
kid, 12 years old
 
Best game show on T.V. (or tied with Jeporday and Deal or No Deal)
I watched it for my first time reccenly and loved. Most questions kids won't get but they can have fun guessing.

mpearmai
kid, 12 years old
 
Boo
I freakin' HATE Cash Cab! Don't steal me money on that show!

 
love it
Sure, not my favorite TV show of all time, but up there. Questions intrege me, and Bailey is lovable. You get some interesting people in that cab as well.

 
Great!!!
Love it, super interesting,great host.

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ON: Content is 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