Sandhogs
Engaging show about dangerous, rarely seen work.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
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.
Suggest an Update
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 shows what it's like to work deep underneath New York, digging the tunnels that deliver water to the city. The Sandhogs, as these miners proudly call themselves, are tough men doing a tough job, and the show takes pains to explain the dangers, thrills, and camaraderie of their rarely seen profession. There's some (bleeped) swearing both on the job and off duty, and a lot of explosions as the men blast through solid rock. Working with explosives is an important part of this job, and the Sandhogs explain how to use them safely.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Not everyone has what it takes be one of the SANDHOGS. As this reality show about the tough men (and they are almost all men) who work deep underneath New York City digging tunnels makes clear, this profession isn't a good fit for anyone who is uncomfortable in dark, wet, enclosed places; doesn't enjoy using very large, very loud machinery; isn't a fan of hard, physical labor; or gets nervous around explosives.
Is It Any Good?
The series goes underground with the Sandhogs, showing exactly how they bore massive tunnels through the earth. It's a fascinating look at a dangerous, complicated job and the tough men who do it. Sandhogs have labored below New York for more than 150 years, working on many of the area's most important -- and most dangerous -- infrastructure projects, though they're rarely celebrated for their contributions. This program corrects that lapse and is a worthy entry in the close-up-on-dangerous-jobs genre that has become so popular.
It's clear that these men take their work seriously, and they like to discuss their profession's long and storied history. "We're like astronauts down here," says one. "We find out, five feet at a time, what this Earth is made of."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why the media tend to focus more on some careers (medicine, law, etc.) than others. Which do you find more interesting -- movies and TV shows about jobs you already know about or those you've never heard of. Why do you think this particular work appeals to the Sandhogs? How do you think being a Sandhog compares to other physical jobs, such as construction work or other kinds of mining? Why do the Sandhogs think what they do is so special? Would you like to do it? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 7, 2008
- Cast: Chickie Donohue, Morgan Curran, Richie Fitzsimmons
- Network: History
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 24, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Ice Road Truckers
Dangerous driving makes for exciting reality show.
-
Deadliest Catch
Action-packed reality show OK for older tweens and up.
-
Dirty Jobs
Ick and shtick will appeal to older tweens and up.
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