Parents' Guide to

Black Ink Crew

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Harlem tattoo parlor reality focuses on bickering, romances.

TV VH1 Reality TV 2013
Black Ink Crew 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 15+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Daniel L.
Daniel L. Adult
August 1, 2020
age 12+

Feels too good-?- in a good-well maybe-way!

TV-14
Jwen78
Jwen78 Adult
September 12, 2019
age 18+

Racist show!

This show is racist and only cares about their people like they say every episode (Our people) so anyone who is not their race they do not like u !

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

BLACK INK CREW is a reality series about the day-to-day antics of the staff at an African-American-owned and -operated tattoo parlor in Harlem, N.Y. It stars Ceaser Emanuel, the owner of Black Ink Gallery and Tattoo Parlor as he inks clients and oversees his staff, including Puma Robinson, the gallery's wild public relations manager; Alex, the parlor's fiery receptionist; Sassy, the event coordinator; and Walt and Ted, the shop's managers. Also joining the gang is the talented O' S--t, and Dutchess Lattimore, the shop's only female tattoo artist. From inking creative tattoos on colorful clients, to partying and arguing with each other, the group is working together to build the business into something that they can be proud of, and where they can be both coworkers and family.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Like most tattoo-themed reality shows, Black Ink Crew offers a glimpse at the kind of artistry that goes into creating images and inking them on clients. But the show's real focus is on the personalities of the crew, and the somewhat dysfunctional way they interact with each other both professionally and socially.

Some of clients are interesting, but there usually isn't enough focus on them and/or their personal stories to make them stand out. Despite some references about the tattoo parlor's role in the African-American community, the show doesn't delve into this, either. Overall, its the cast's constant bickering and flirtations that make the show mildly entertaining.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about tattoos and tattoo parlors. Why is getting a tattoo a big decision? What are some of the stereotypes associated with people who get them? How does the media portray the culture of tattoo parlors?

  • Do you think the way the staff behaves on the show is the way they act when actually running the business? Or is their behavior a way of generating some reality show entertainment?

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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