TV Details
Starring
Genre
More details
See more TV reviews

Coolfuel (Planet Green)

common sense media says

Aussie's gas-free travels make for fun, informative TV.

parents & educators say
Be the first to review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this fun, informative series -- which follows Australian Shaun Murphy as he travels across America in alternative fuel-powered vehicles -- is pretty mild overall. The only stuff you might want to watch out for are occasional discussions about safety and potential accidents and rare (nonsexual) glimpses of men in their underwear.

Positive messages: The series demonstrates that it's possible to find and use alternatives to gasoline on a daily basis. It also shows viewers the various ways that alternative fuels are already being used around the country.
Positive role models: Likable host Murphy cheerfully teaches viewers about harvesting and using alternative fuels.
Violence: Occasional concerns about Murphy getting hit by a truck on the road and slamming into mountains in a wind glider. But luckily, none of these events ever happen.
Sex: On one occasion, Murphy is shown changing his pants from a distance (no nudity is shown). During his trip through New York City, he meets the underwear-clad  “Naked Cowboy."
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Various local waste recycling plants and other alternative fuel outlets are featured. Logos for local artisans and co-op groups like “City Organics” are vaguely visible.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Coolfuel

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the media's role in educating people about issues like environmentalism and conservation. Where else can you learn about these issues?
  • Are alternative fuels being used to power things in your community? Which ones?
  • If you were to travel cross-country without gas, what kind of vehicle would you like to use? What kind of expertise would you need to build it?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Following Australian Shaun Murphy and his Jack  Russell terrier Sparky as they travel 16,000 miles across the United States, COOLFUEL demonstrates that it's possible to do it without using a single drop of gasoline. The duo instead rely on a variety of vehicles that are specifically engineered to run on "coolfuels" (alternative energy sources) like corn, cow dung, and soybeans. Along the way, he meets people who've found ways of reducing their dependency on gasoline and are working toward a greener environment. 

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Coolfuel is both amusing and educational as Murphy and his advance crew explore America's geographical and cultural landscape while explaining the various ways that alternative fuels are being harvested around the country. It’s hard not to chuckle at some folks' reactions to Murphy's non-traditional way of traveling: Some of the team’s vehicles -- which range from a donut-powered Hummer to a motorcycle powered by cow dung -- are a little odd-looking, too.

The series teaches lots of great lessons about energy and our environment. While Murphy’s brief engineering explanations are simple enough for kids to follow, you don’t have to be a science fan to enjoy the gang's antics. More importantly, Murphy teaches by example, showing that anyone with a little ingenuity can find ways to make alternative fuels work for them. Overall, the show offers a truly enjoyable way to learn more about ways to help the planet. 

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Planet Green
Cast: Shaun Murphy, Teresa Brett
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: Planet Green
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

Review It

 

Review Coolfuel

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

There aren’t any reviews yet. Ask your friends to review this title.

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see Coolfuel?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Other fun green choices
For kids who love being green
Browse more TV
About our rating system
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
Our child development rating guidelines