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Parents' Guide to

Moonshiners

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Illegal alcohol distillation is focus of docuseries.

TV Discovery Channel Reality TV 2011
Moonshiners 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 18+

Based on 2 parent reviews

waydan
waydan Adult
April 1, 2020
age 18+

Unbelievable

This show has been going for 8-10 years and viewers are supposed to believe that the law can’t catch them. I watch it from time to time for the comedy of the characters and they’re one of the only shows that doesn’t have a laugh track....yet.
not stupid
not stupid Adult
November 10, 2012
age 17+

been there done that these people will kill the punks.Kill tikleand his mom

if this show was real them people will be s*** on spot because it is so stupid, they must be on witness protection because they will not come home
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

MOONSHINERS is a documentary series featuring Appalachian moonshiners during the height of the summer distilling season, and some of the law enforcement officials trying to stop them. Cameras follow contemporary bootleggers as they distill and sell corn whisky, the making of which they view as part of their cultural history. Viewers also get to see officers like Special Agent Jesse Tate send in informants, raid storage houses, and arrest distillers in order to end their illegal operations. Detailed explanations of how corn whisky is produced and footage of infamous moonshiners are also featured.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (3 ):

The series offers a unique look into the world of today's moonshiners, many of who justify their illegal actions as a commitment to their heritage and as a way of making money to support their families. But it is law enforcement that offers a darker description of the underground trade, which they claim is driven by greed and violence.

The show attempts to offer a balanced look at both sides, but the likable personalities of some of the moonshiners, and the conversations about the role bootlegging has had in American history, sometimes make it hard to remember that what they are doing is illegal. Nonetheless, it succeeds at offering viewers an interesting and voyeuristic look into a world that most people know little or nothing about.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why some documentaries showcase illegal activities. Is it responsible or ethical to feature people that are engaged in illegal acts, even for a show that is supposed to be informational and offers multiple points of view? Why do you think these moonshiners were willing to appear on reality television doing something they know is illegal?

  • Are there any stereotypes associated with moonshiners? Are those stereotypes challenged or reinforced in this series?

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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