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Parents' Guide to

Pawn Queens

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Not much kid appeal in this pawn shop reality series.

TV TLC Reality TV 2010
Pawn Queens Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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What's the Story?

PAWN QUEENS is a reality series that features the day-to-day operations of a self-described women-friendly pawnshop. Minda Grabiec and Nikki Ruehl operate Naperville Jewelry and Loan, a suburban Chicago pawnshop that specializes in unique and/or high-end items like designer purses, vintage jewelry, and trendy shoes that are expected to appeal to female clients. Along with owner Tom Brunzelle and business partner Gregg Holloway, Minda and Nikki negotiate sales with patrons in hopes of selling them for a profit and keeping the business afloat. Every buy is risky, but together they show how the pawn business can be a woman's world.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

The reality docuseries allows viewers to see what's involved in the pawning process, which includes knowing how to identify quality collectibles and understanding their market value. It also shows how important it is to be aware of the actual profit pawnshop owners can earn from these items after they are refurbished. Some of the tension in the show comes from the risks the owners take when trying to buy and resell items. The stability of the business is often shaken, but the owners do their best to demonstrate that pawnshops can make a profit by catering to middle-class suburban women.

Though the show sends some stereotypical messages about what women are supposed to find appealing and/or important, ff viewers can get past this, they will find that the show, like the shop, is a pretty friendly place.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the reputation that pawnshops have. Where does this reputation come from? Do you agree that pawnshops usually cater to men? Why or why not? Do you think this store successfully offers an alternative to this point of view?

  • Is it ever okay to embrace a stereotype? What ways does the media perpetuate stereotypes? In what ways does the media help counter them?

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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