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Tattoo Highway

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Monica Pendelton, Thomas Pendelton, Where to watch: A&E)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Master inker takes his parlor (and family) on the road.

Themes in this show include:   family relationships, substance abuse

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

The good stuff

  • Role models:

    The Pendeltons work hard to be good parents and look at marriage and family as positive things. That said, they have a colorful history and weren't always people who could be considered good examples.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The series characterizes tattooing as a positive, often spiritual thing. But some of the stories the Pendletons hear deal with heavy topics like the death of loved ones and giving up a child for adoption. Some unusual tattoo practices -- like mixing one man's wife's ashes into the ink used for his tattoo -- are featured.

  • Violence:

    References to "gangster tattoo parlors"; at least one featured parlor is controlled by a gang. Plenty of close-up shots of tattoo needles going into people's skin.

  • Sex:

    Some people get tattooed in sensitive areas, but breasts, buttocks, etc. are either turned away from the camera or blurred out.

  • Language:

    Audible language includes words like "hell," "ass," and "piss." Frequent use of stronger curse words (like "f--k" and "s--t") is bleeped. Some stereotypical terms, like "rednecks."

  • Consumerism:

    The series is a promotional vehicle for Pendleton's "Ministry of Ink." The artist often finds clients through his My Space page. Local tattoo parlors are featured throughout the show.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The Pendeltons are recovering alcohol and drug addicts who left Las Vegas to get away from that scene; they often note the importance of staying off of substances. But Thomas sometimes reminisces about his former partying ways, including making drug deals.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Tattoo Highway

Parents need to know that this edgy series -- which follows master tattoo artist Thomas Pendelton's travels in his mobile tattoo parlor -- promotes tattooing as both an art form and a spiritual act. Pendleton and his wife are recovering drug addicts, so drug use is frequently discussed, but they're also dedicated parents who believe in family bonds. Expect some strong language ("ass," "piss," and the like are audible, while "f--k" and "s--t" are bleeped); although some people get inked in sensitive areas, no nudity is shown.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the "tattoo culture" is depicted on television. What stereotypes are associated with tattoos and body art? Does the media reinforce or undermine those stereotypes?
  • Do you think body art is an art form or just something that people do to look “cool”? How can getting a piece of body art help a person feel better about something or about themselves?
Tools and tips that can help

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