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Shark Tank

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Robert Herjavic, Kevin Harrington, Where to watch: ABC)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Money-driven reality show will intrigue the business minded.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • 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.
 

What to watch out for

  • 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.
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • 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.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Shark Tank

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Shark Tank?
  •  I think this show is

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See all 6 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Fun to watch!

    Cool show! I watch it every Tuesday.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    GOOD SHOW

    if your thinking an actual shark tank and thinking too violent, your wrong. its just people trying to make biusnessess. good show.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 4.0

    I have never seen anything bad on this show, I think it's an interesting show.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    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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