Parents' Guide to

Ton of Cash

By Elka Karl, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Crass reality game show has no redeeming value.

TV VH1 Game Shows 2011
Ton of Cash 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?

In TON OF CASH, debt-ridden contestants compete for a literal ton of cash that they must transport from Los Angeles to Las Vegas via foot, boat, sled, and other primitive modes of transportation. Contestants are timed on each leg of the journey and lose any cash that doesn't make it over the finish line within the allotted timeline.

Is It Any Good?

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

Ton of Cash and its cast of despicable contestants might serve as a good example of what not to say, do, or think. Other than that, it's best avoided. Every manifestation of possible bad behavior occurs on the show, from homophobic commentary to a well-endowed woman noting that she'll happily use what the plastic surgeon gave her to win the show. One contestant displays his sense of gameplay by noting, "When I was younger I learned to work smarter, not harder, and by smarter, I mean get other people to do it." This comment represents the general attitude of each of the contestants.

While viewers aren't likely looking to a VH1 reality game show as their personal moral compass, this show is completely lacking any kind of ethics. Some contestants are on the show to pay for their children and plastic surgery, while others have been beaten up for sleeping with someone's boyfriend and have extensive medical bills. While one contestant suggests, "Let's get wasted and have a good time," this show offers anything but a good time for viewers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the nature of reality shows. Do you think that what's been filmed is the entire story? How do you think producers might manipulate footage to make contestants look better or worse? Why would they?

  • What do you think of the contestants' behavior? Do you think they're naturally this selfish, foul mouthed, and mean? If not, why would they act this way on camera?

  • What do you think of these contestants' decisions to try to solve their debt problems by participating in a game show? Are there better ways to fix their money problems?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: August 17, 2011
  • Cast: Dhani Jones
  • Network: VH1
  • Genre: Game Shows
  • TV rating: TV-14
  • Last updated: February 25, 2022

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