Scrappers

Review

Common Sense Media says

Workplace reality show funny, but has lots of tough talk.
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

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality series about Brooklyn scrap metal crews features lots of arguing -- including threats to beat people up -- as well as drinking and occasional smoking. There's also lots of strong language (“ass" and “piss” are audible, while “s--t” and “f--k” are bleeped) and references to sex. It’s all presented from a humorous angle, but it's still not really an age-appropriate choice for younger viewers.

  • Positive messages0
    Despite plenty of conflict, the show does have some positive take-aways about working hard, being a committed business owner, and teamwork.
  • Positive role models0
    The crews sometimes compete for business -- sometimes almost violently so -- but they help each other out when necessary.
  • Violence2
    Sal is training to be a fighter. Crews competing for metal jobs often result to threatening to punch each other out. A scrapper is shown using a sledgehammer on another crew’s truck.
  • Sex3
    Some strong sexual innuendo, including conversations about sexual fetishes and references to male genitalia.
  • Language3
    Lots of strong language. Words like “ass” and “piss” are audible, while curses like “s--t” and “f--k” are bleeped.
  • Consumerism1
    Sal the Barber’s business logo, P&F Service and Removal, is clearly visible (but with the phone number blurred out). Some of the men wear T-shirts highlighting their crew's name.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    People are shown drinking beer an occasionally smoking cigarettes and cigars.
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What's the story?

SCRAPPERS follows three Brooklyn crews who collect scrap metal for money. The crews -- headed up by Frank Noots, Sal “the Barber” Vassallo, and Mimmo and Dino -- collect metal waste from construction job sites, haul old appliances out of homes, and salvage abandoned cars. They then sell them to the local metal recycling plant in hopes of making enough money to keep their businesses afloat. Combing the streets of Brooklyn for junk metal isn’t always easy, and the tough-talking guys often find themselves dealing with endless parking tickets, injuries, and constant competition. But when the going gets tough, these neighborhood guys always have each other’s backs.

Is it any good?

 

With its humorous look at the nontraditional world of metal recycling, Scrappers offers an almost sitcom-like reality experience. It also highlights some of the more unique aspects of growing up in and working in Brooklyn. Thanks to some of men’s oddball behavior and over-the-top arguments, many of the scenes seem a little too rehearsed. And there's lots of strong language. But overall, it does offer some amusing reality entertainment for teens and adults.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about he scrap metal business. Why is it so competitive? Do you think scrappers in other parts of the country go through what the Brooklyn crews go through?

  • How much reality is featured on reality shows? When does a reality show cross the line into being fiction?

  • Why are there so many reality shows about unusual jobs? What's the appeal?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Parent of 12 year old
August 31, 2010
AGE
10
 
Fun show for adults to watch.children should stay away. Or they will start curesing worse then a ny scrapper !
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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-14
Network:Spike
Cast:Frank Noots, Joe Posa, Sal Vassallo
Genre:Reality TV
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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