Parents' Guide to

Dream Machines

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Lots of swearing and rough-housing in car-building show.

TV Syfy Reality TV 2012
Dream Machines Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

See all
age 9+

Based on 1 parent review

teralee
teralee Adult
May 17, 2012
age 9+

Animator's take on Dream Machines

There are some conflicts between the two brothers, one is more the 'dreamer' and the other is more the guy who actually has to build it and bear in mind the limits and functionality of real-world materials and vehicles. I'm an animator/designer and I find the whole process from concept to fabrication fascinating. Things get a little 'salty' as one commentator states, but anybody who has been in any sort of machine/automotive shop with a bunch of men knows that this is reality, guys joke and cuss. I have not heard anything offensive at all. What makes me laugh and watch to the last moment is the expectations of some of the customers - what they conceive of can very likely be built - but the time limits imposed are often quite short of what should be required to build and test. But you know, these guys manage it! Now, if I can only find what the name is of that tablet-computer they use to map out the concepts!!!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

The reality series DREAM MACHINES features brothers Mark and Shanon Parker building concept vehicles for high-end clients. Inspired by science fiction, comic books, and various high-powered machines, the duo design crazy and outrageous cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles that most people can't even dream about. With the help of their fun and wild group of fabricators, welders, and mechanics, the two are able to go from a design idea to a finished product. Meanwhile, pleasing clients like 50 Cent, wrestler/actor John Cena, and and actor/film director Peter Berg, lead to some great business opportunities. But pushing the envelope when building these futuristic machines isn't easy, especially when the designs don't actually function in real life. But this team proves that with lots of imagination and hard work, they can dream big and build bigger.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

The series demonstrates the process by which ideas for concept cars go from being a simple drawn design to an actual finished product. It also shows how difficult (and expensive) the construction of these vehicles can be, and the challenges that arise when the expectations of designers or clients exceed the machine's functional capabilities.

Folks who like unique machines, fast cars, and learning more about what goes into this kind of work will definitely find this show worth watching and entertaining. Some of the antics of the staff also create some fun moments. But thanks to some sibling rivalry and salty language, it's a little rough for young viewers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about concept cars. What exactly is a concept car? What are the specific steps that go into thinking about and designing a car on paper and/or on the computer, and then actually building one? Who actually buys and drives these cars? Do concept cars eventually go into mass production? Does this show inspire you to build something yourself?

  • Do you think this reality show is designed to educate people about the concept car making process? Or is it really a promotional vehicle for the kinds of concept cars that the Parker Brothers produce? What do the brothers stand to gain or lose by appearing on this show?

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

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

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