Cash Cab

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Mobile game show drives trivia buffs wild.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids 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.

  • Normal game show greed, but everything is generally good natured. Promotes having a wide range of general knowledge.
  • Contestants represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities.
  • Playful shoulder jabbing is the extent of it.
  • Not applicable.
  • Occasional "hell" or "crap," though even these words are sometimes bleeped.
  • 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.

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?

 

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.


Explore, discuss, enjoy

  • 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?


This review of Cash Cab was written by
Parent
February 5, 2009
 
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.

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Kid, 12 years old
February 5, 2009
 
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.

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
 
not bad

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Kid, 12 years old
July 27, 2011
 
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.

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Adult
March 1, 2010
 
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.

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Adult
February 9, 2009
 
Great!!!
Love it, super interesting,great host.

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Teen, 14 years old
November 14, 2009
 
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!

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Kid, 12 years old
February 12, 2011
 

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Kid, 9 years old
April 29, 2009
 
Boo
I freakin' HATE Cash Cab! Don't steal me money on that show!

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Kid, 10 years old
May 2, 2009
 
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.

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This review of Cash Cab was written by
TV rating:TV-G
Network:Discovery Channel
Cast:Ben Bailey
Genre:Game Shows

This review of Cash Cab was written by
 

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