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Miami Ink (TLC)

common sense media says

Tattoo reality show is tamer than you might think.

parents & educators say
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this show is pro-body art and doesn't spend a lot of time talking about the risks of getting a tattoo. Also, a lot of the parlor's clients get tattoos to memorialize deceased loved ones. Some of their stories are bittersweet, and younger viewers might find them upsetting. In one episode, for example, a couple talks about their baby who died two hours after birth.

Positive messages: The artists are caring and solicitous of their clients, and the patrons are often endearing in their desire for body art.
Violence: The tattoo process is shown; no blood, but the needle-phobic may want to tune out.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: "F--k" is bleeped but still recognizable. Other mild language.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Miami Ink

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about tattoos. What are parents' and kids' opinions on tattoos? If they differ, why? Do people's opinions about body art tend to change as they get older? Why? Why is getting a piece of body art a big decision? What are some of the risks of tattooing?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In MIAMI INK, viewers go behind the scenes with the owners and clients of a South Florida tattoo parlor. Each day the shop's artists -- Ami James, Chris Garver, Chris Nunez, Darren Brass, and Kat Von D -- welcome clients and help them craft a piece of body art that's aesthetically satisfying. Many of the clients' stories will tug at your emotions; others are downright tear-inducing.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Viewers will likely find the shop's owners the most interesting part of the show. They work hard and play hard, often playing practical jokes on each other and ribbing one another the way fraternity brothers do. Lone female Kat sometimes gets in on the action, too, as does apprentice Yoji Harada.

Though the Miami Ink cameras capture the tattoo process, no blood is involved, and only those with the weakest stomachs will want to hide their eyes. The show's producers manage to show the softer side of an art form that's often maligned and misunderstood. That said, some parents may be uncomfortable with the subject matter, which does endorse body art and doesn't dwell on the risks and possible side effects.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: TLC
Cast: Ami James, Chris Garver, Chris Nunez
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: TLC
This review was written by Lucy Maher
 
 

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

kmerk
adult
 
good show, appropriate for most teens
Miami Ink doesn't contain a lot of inappropriate content, and is a fun show to watch for people of about 13 and over.
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (8)
cddeloach
adult
 
Suprisingly good show
I became hooked to this show quickly. Subject matter can include death pretty often and some sexual inuendo as well, so not good for younger kids, but a lot of the issues that come up on the show would be good discussion materials for older kids and teens.
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (6)
lianabrown92
adult
 
Entertaining
Miami Ink is a very entertaining show for me. I would reccommend children 12 and up to watch this program. Although on one of the episodes one of the men decided to pee &/or poop in the toilet and did not flush, teaching kids bad ettiquette.
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (5)
Ice-Cool
kid, 13 years old
 
.. Good
I love this show. Unless you don't want your kids to watch some guy get tattooed it's a great show. : ]
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thadeus
 
Enough of the body graffiti already, it's disgusting
Come on TLC raise your standards, give us something worthy of learning.
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (5)

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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
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