Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Taxidermy reality is not for the squeamish.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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?
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
- Premiere date : January 5, 2012
- Cast : Daniel Ross , LaDawn Ross
- Network : Animal Planet
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
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