Parents' Guide to

The Legend of Shelby the Swamp Man

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Tough guy spin-off with iffy language, dangerous stunts.

TV History Reality TV 2013
The Legend of Shelby the Swamp Man Poster Image

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

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What's the Story?

THE LEGEND OF SHELBY THE SWAMP MAN offers an inside look at the daily life of Ax Men logger Shelby "Swamp Man" Stanga. After Hurricane Isaac washed out his house boat on the Bayou, he finds a perfect new home -- a pirate ship called the Gypsy Rose. But it's over his budget, so he must look for odd jobs to make enough money to cover the mortgage. With the help of his good friend Sheri Jenkins, Shelby clears nutria (a.k.a. swamp rats) from residential houses, chases runaway alligators, and even goes deep sea fishing. But things don't always turn out as expected, and sometimes he has to find a way to make the best of some awkward situations.

Is It Any Good?

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

The Legend of Shelby the Swamp Man revolves around Shelby's colorful personality, much of which comes from his bayou upbringing and lifestyle. But most of Shelby's antics, which range from accidentally destroying someone's living room to taking a shower in a car wash, seem staged to create some over-the-top entertaining moments.

It's wild and quirky, but throughout it all the Louisiana native appears both genuine and likable. He also shows how he's not afraid to do a hard day's work in order to earn what he wants. If you're looking for some lighthearted entertainment, this one will probably fit the bill.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the Louisiana Bayou. What is the history of this region? What are the characteristics that define this culture? How does the media portray people from the region? Do shows such like this one teach viewers about what life is really like there, or do they perpetuate stereotypes about the region and the community?

TV Details

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