Parents' Guide to

Cash Cab

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Mobile game show drives trivia buffs wild.

TV Discovery Channel Game Shows 2005
Cash Cab Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

See all
age 10+

Based on 8 parent reviews

dart
dart Adult
July 17, 2022
age 14+

Ticked

I watched the show where a black lady was picked up. She had answered some of the questions correctly and was on her last question. She was struggling to answer and Ben did not remind her of her shout out. If he’s going to remind some of their shout outs he needs to remind them all of their shout outs. He don’t pick up a lot of blacks as it is and I hope he’s not discriminating with them or with the shout out reminders. She probably could’ve gone farther if he had reminded her but he didn’t give her that opportunity. I watched the last show before that one with four whites in the vehicle and he reminded them of their shout out that they used. They had more help but he just let the black lady struggle with no extra help till the time ran out and didn’t open his mouth about a shout out. Go figure! I don’t care to watch this show anymore.
Cash13211
Cash13211 Adult
October 31, 2020
age 18+

Hate this Ben guy... Boring and appears uneducated even if he is.

See all 8 parent reviews

What's the Story?

CASH CAB and its spin-off CASH CAB CHICAGO are innovative game shows in which unsuspecting New York City (or Chicago) taxi riders answer trivia questions for a cash prize. When customers jump in comedian Ben Bailey's (New York) or Beth Melewski's (Chicago) taxi, they don't realize they're entering a mobile game show. If riders agree to play, the cab starts moving and the game begins. Contestants have the duration of their ride to answer general knowledge trivia questions, which get progressively harder and more lucrative as the driver negotiates Manhattan traffic. But if they answer incorrectly three times, contestants must leave the cab and lose any prize money. Two "shout-outs" are available: one chance to ask someone on the street for help and one call to someone. Those who make it to their destination can double their money by answering a question transmitted by video monitor -- but if they answer incorrectly, they lose everything.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (8 ):
Kids say (7 ):

Questions are interesting, with topics ranging from geography to media. Players vary in age, ethnicity, and skill, which adds an extra appeal to the show. The hosts are likable, and his quips are funny without overpowering the flow of the game.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can play along with the game. Do kids or parents know the answers that stump the contestants? Who would you call for a "shout-out"?

  • Would you agree to play the game if you got into the Cash Cab unsuspectingly? Do you think it's safe for the driver to be hosting the show while he's driving?

  • How is this show similar to and different from other TV game shows?

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.

See all recommended tv lists

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate