Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun car competition has cursing, innuendo.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mud, Sweat, and Gears
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
BBC America's MUD, SWEAT, AND GEARS is a reality series featuring self-professed car-ologists Tom "Wookie" Ford and Jonny Smith as they work with teams of car enthusiasts to convert average, worn cars into ultimate racing machines. Each episode features two teams of car nuts building things such as the ultimate cop car and the ultimate demolition vehicle out of average, weathered vehicles in 24 hours. Once built, the two teams go head to head in three escalating missions to determine which car is more awesome. The winning team gets bragging rights, while the losing team gets their car annihilated.
Is It Any Good?
The humorously competitive car show combines auto design with the excitement of endurance racing and motocross. However, much of the fun comes from the hosts, whose playful banter keeps everything lighthearted.
There's some rivalry, but the challenges featured here are really just excuses for tricking out and driving souped-up vehicles as fast as possible on crazy obstacle courses. If this is your idea of a good time, you'll definitely enjoy watching.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about car competitions. What makes them popular? Is it the designer cars? Watching people drive them fast? Or watching the cars fall apart or blow up?
Why are men mostly featured on car shows? Do you think this portrayal is accurate? Or is it based on stereotypes about men and women?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 26, 2015
- Cast : Jonny Smith , Tom Ford
- Network : BBC America
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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