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Shark Tank (ABC)

common sense media says

Money-driven reality show will intrigue the business minded.

parents & educators say
See all 10 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this adaptation of the British show Dragons' Den -- in which contestants pitch business proposals to five extremely successful entrepreneurs in hopes of convincing them to invest -- is steeped in themes of capitalism, money, and greed. Although the language is relatively mild ("hell," "damn"), some of the business "Sharks" use insults like "pig" and "stupid" when offering their sound-but-sometimes-harsh business advice. Kids probably won't tune in, but if they do, make sure they understand the context of these exchanges.

Positive messages: Money and greed are the driving forces behind the series. The Sharks aren't shy about saying they love money -- and making lots of it -- and the contestants are eager to make their share as well. On the plus side, the show does highlight the amount of work that goes into getting a business off the ground.
Positive role models: The Sharks are self-made entrepreneurs who offer expertise and advice to those who want to start a successful business. The panel isn't particularly diverse.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: At least one pitch incorporates women in suggestive outfits as a way to motivate investors. Another pitcher talks about having “boob” jobs.
Language: Words like “hell” and "damn" are occasionally audible. Insults like “pig” and “stupid” are sometimes used.
Consumerism: All of the entrepreneurs have a product or idea to sell, but they need investments to make them reality.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Shark Tank

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the work that goes into getting a business off the ground. Is it possible to succeed without having people invest in your service or product?
  • Do you have any business ideas of your own? What kind of research and planning would you have to do to get it off the ground? If you were to pitch your idea to the Sharks, what would you say? Could you handle the criticism?
  • How hard is it to regroup if your plans fail? How do people turn negative circumstances into possibilities?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In SHARK TANK (a U.S. remake of the overseas hit Dragons' Den) hopeful entrepreneurs get three minutes to convince “The Sharks” -- software publisher Kevin O’Leary, Internet mogul Robert Herjavic, infomercial expert Kevin Harrington, real estate investor Barbara Corcoran, and Fubu Sportswear founder Daymond John -- to help turn their idea into a lucrative business. After listening to the entrpreneurs' pitches, which range from starting a wholesale sweet potato pie business to selling surgically implanted wireless phone jacks, each Shark must decide whether they're going to opt-in, how much cash they're willing to invest, and the number of shares they'll hold. If the proposal is particularly desirable, the Sharks battle it out with each other to get the biggest bite of the new company.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Money is the driving force behind this series, and the Sharks openly share their love for making lots of it. Meanwhile, many of the contestants come off as desperate as they look to the self-made millionaires for the cash to help them get their businesses off the ground. Any compassion the Sharks might feel for the person or their situation doesn’t keep them from offering some sharp -- albeit honest -- criticism. It also doesn’t seem to stop them from throwing some stinging insults the entrepreneurs' way.

The show doesn’t always send the best messages, but it does have some things to offer. While the Sharks aren’t always friendly, they give contestants sound advice on how to make their businesses successful -- and when it's time to walk away. And their reactions to some contestants’ half-baked ideas can lead to amusing moments. Meanwhile, the suspense builds as each side decides whether to accept or reject each other’s offer. Shark Tank may not be for everyone, but business-savvy viewers are likely to find it quite entertaining.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: ABC
Cast: Kevin Harrington, Robert Herjavic
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: ABC
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Soccer boy
teen, 15 years old
11
 
Fun to watch!
Cool show! I watch it every Tuesday.
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (4)
Lia33
teen, 14 years old
10
 
i watched it last night and i loved it!
come on, its only rated TV PG, i watched it last night, and i wished that there was more! i loved it!
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (2)
gospurs57
adult
10
 
Shark Tank has more in common with the audition phase of American Idol than you would think. Some contestants are introduced with an upbeat video package describing themselves and their product. They then enter the "tank" and pitch the product to the "sharks", whose snarky banter amongst themselves is similar to the Idol judges' banter except not as interesting. One by one, each shark decides if they will make a negotiation offer. Afterwards, the contestant is shown talking to the camera about what just happened (if there was an offer or not) and what they hope to do next. So if you like watching the American Idol auditions or are into business, you should like Shark Tank.
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snowytears
teen, 15 years old
10
 
I have never seen anything bad on this show, I think it's an interesting show.
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (3)
brak9867
kid, 12 years old
9
 
GOOD SHOW
if your thinking an actual shark tank and thinking too violent, your wrong. its just people trying to make biusnessess. good show.
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (3)
nickelmcpickle
teen, 14 years old
9
 
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (2)
princessgabby_0
teen, 15 years old
7
 
For anyone
I don't think this show is bad at all! I actually think this is a family show! I love this show myself, it's very interesting.
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)
Angel1234567890
teen, 14 years old
11
 
ROAAARR SHARK
man i luv this soo much. i like it becuz i like to see what people make. not to be racis but i like the guy who makes fubu.
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Katy0
teen, 17 years old
10
 
I enjoyed watching this. Unfortunately, the show does move rather slowly. A total of 5 people pitched their ideas on the episode.
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thenicholas2601
kid, 11 years old
14
 
pretty decent!!!!!@@$#%&*$%*
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