Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory
Parents say
Based on 4 reviews
Kids say
Based on 10 reviews
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this reality series -- which follows skateboarding mogul Rob Dyrdek as he runs his company -- highlights how thinking creatively can lead to interesting and successful business ventures. But it also shows Dyrdek and his friends testing potentially dangerous stunts without proper safety precautions. (Teens may benefit from a reminder to not try these stunts on their own.) The series also includes a bit of drinking, some mild references to things being "sexy," and strong language (the occasional "f--k" is bleeped, but words like "hell" are audible).
Community Reviews
Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens
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Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory
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What's the Story?
ROB DYRDEK'S FANTASY FACTORY follows skateboarding pro/entrepreneur Rob Dyrdek as he runs Dyrdek Enterprises from a 25,000 square-foot Los Angeles warehouse. Viewers watch the eccentric mogul as he mixes work and fun in a Willie Wonka-like industrial space that houses both an indoor skateboard park and the fully-skateable offices of Corpo, the warehouse's business wing. Other scenes show Dyrdek riding motorbikes and electric go-carts and amusing himself with a variety of giant-size toys and games. But while Dyrdek -- with the help of his cousin Chris "Drama" Pfaff -- uses a mixture of play, fantasy, and creative thinking to come up with his newest business ventures, he also sometimes collides (both philosophically and literally) with manager Jeremy Larner and other more practical members of the Corpo staff.
Is It Any Good?
The series offers an interesting glimpse into how Dyrdek uses fantasy to think outside the box and create some very real -- and lucrative -- business opportunities, from designing sneakers to investing in restaurants. It also demonstrates how important and difficult it is to balance having fun with the realities of running a company. But most of the show focuses on Dyrdek and his crazy antics. While some viewers may find these scenes funny, it doesn't offer any kind of real substance.
Dyrdek also takes a lot of risks when trying new stunts, usually with little thought to personal injury or safety gear. As a result, while the show celebrates the importance of innovation and creative ideas, it also sends some problematic messages about the appropriate way to test them out. Older tweens and teens should be able to handle it, but it might be a good idea to remind them not to try these things on their own.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the media portrays successful entrepreneurs. What kind of characteristics do they usually share? What kinds of things do successful business moguls like Donald Trump, Martha Stewart, and Sean "Diddy" Combs have in common with Dyrdek?
What are the positives and negatives of thinking "outside the box"? Does thinking creatively about a project or new business venture always lead to a successful outcome? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date: February 8, 2009
- Cast: Chris Pfaff, Jeremy Larner, Rob Dyrdek
- Networks: MTV, MTV2
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
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