Parents' Guide to

American Stuffers

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Taxidermy reality is not for the squeamish.

TV Animal Planet Reality TV 2012
American Stuffers Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Much2surprise
Much2surprise Adult
February 21, 2012
age 10+

Love Animal Stuffers very Cool Show

I think this is a cool show and I watch it every week maybe the scripting is a bit much needs to be more real in that aspect but I find this to be facinating and interesting.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
SassyDaisy
SassyDaisy Adult
February 21, 2012
age 10+

More Episodes of American Stuffers Please

This show is filled with mixed emotions for me but I find it to be a very informitive show and would love to see more episodes in the future

This title has:

Great messages
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

AMERICAN STUFFERS features Daniel Ross, the owner of Xtreme Taxidermy, an Arkansas-based business dedicated to preserving animals in a way that provides dignity and respect for pets and their owners. With the support of his wife LaDawn, and the help of his team of taxidermists, including Joseph, Fred, and college intern Dixie, he freezes, stuffs, and paints animals including dogs, cats, snakes, and chickens so that their owners can keep them forever. They also preserve the heads, hides, and skeletons of animals that people have hunted and killed. It's not an easy job, especially when things get hectic, but Daniel never loses sight of the significance each animal has to their owners, and the importance of doing the job right.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (1 ):

The show highlights the science and artistry that is required to professionally restore different species of animals. It also shows how grieving owners can often find peace after the loss of their beloved pet once their animal has been restored.

Watching the actual restoration process isn't pleasant, but the series' overall focus on helping people, as well as the sophistication of the work involved, puts these moments into context. Ross's passion for his work, his professionalism, and his commitment to comforting his clients also gives it a positive spin. There are a lot of good messages here, but it definitely isn't for the faint of heart.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why Daniel Ross and his team are on a reality show. Is it because their work is interesting? Or is it because they is doing a job that most people find difficult or distasteful? Can you think of any other professions that most people wouldn't be willing to do that would make for an interesting reality show?

  • Do you think it's necessary to show the animals so graphically? Would the show be as appealing without the graphic details?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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