American Restoration

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
American Restoration Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

Some salty language in antique restorer's reality series.

History Reality TV 2010
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 11+

Based on 2 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this reality docuseries follows a team of restorers working on vintage antiques. Some items feature logos from current companies like Coca-Cola, Hershey's, and Harley-Davidson. Despite some salty language ("ass," "crap"; stronger words bleeped), the show is overall pretty mild, though chances are that kids won't be clamoring to see it.

Community Reviews

eddjones11
eddjones11 Adult
October 31, 2012
age 13+

Good show, but all a set-up and all about him

I really liked it until I found out it was fake. I saw a 2009 episode of Pawn Stars where a guys brings in an old coke machine to pawn. The pawn guys take it to Rick's for restoration. All seems normal until you flash forward 4 years and the guy that brought the machine to the pawn shop turns out to be Rick's brother who works for Rick. What a fix. I thought both shows were pretty real until that. The episode of American Restoration I just watched had a guy bring in an old pencil vending machine that he wanted restored to raffle off for disabled American Vets. Rick's quote was for $600. All was good and the restoration was beautiful. The surprise came at the end when Rick did NOT donate the restoration work to the cause.Rick would have earned a lot more respect from me if he'd have done that little $600 job for free - nope money is the bottom line. And, truthfully, while disappointed I'm ok with him making his paycheck, but what bothered me was that Rick said it was great to be a part of such a great cause. Rick, you weren't part of the cause - you were only in it for the money.

This title has:

Great role models
female viewer
female viewer Adult
November 25, 2011
age 10+

just sayin'

Great show, but lose the retired show girl. It's insulting.
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

AMERICAN RESTORATION is about a team of antique restorers converting rusty old items into valuable vintage collectibles. It features Rick Dale, a metal artist and expert classic object restorer, who spends his time looking for resourceful ways to repair and restore items ranging from old-fashioned candy dispensers to dated gasoline pumps. He also manages his Las Vegas, Nevada shop, where his madcap crew, including his friend Kowboy, his brother Ron, and his son Tyler, helps bring each piece back to life.

Is It Any Good?

The series presents a lighthearted, but interesting look at the hard work and creativity that goes into the restoration of vintage objects. It also reveals how much each high-end restoration is worth, and the value added to each object once the project is complete.

Granted, most folks won't be drawn to this kind of thing unless they have an interest in antiques or vintage collectibles. But for those who are, it offers a chance to see how historic objects documenting America's popular culture are being salvaged one piece at a time.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the difference between an old piece of "junk" and a "classic object." How can people tell if their trash is actually treasure? What would it take to get that treasure looking like new again?

TV Details

Our Editors Recommend

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    age 10+
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    Bickering, hard bargains mark show about family business.

    age 13+
  • Hollywood Treasure Poster Image

    Hollywood Treasure

    Fascinating hunt for Tinseltown gems is fun family viewing.

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