Tough as Nails
Common Sense says
- HGTV
- Reality TV
- 2010
Parents say
Kids say
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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 series featuring a tough-talking female real estate developer and contractor who owns and successfully manages her business, sends some positive messages about women succeeding in male-dominated industries. While much of the focus is on her business and contracting skills, a lot of the drama comes from her unique relationship with her ex-husband and with her construction foreman. The show is generally family friendly, but it does contain some occasional mild language (“damn”) and conversations about divorce and relationships.
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What's the story?
TOUGH AS NAILS is a reality show featuring successful Boston luxury developer Cindy Stumpo as she manages a multi-million dollar company while trying to balance her personal life. The construction veteran oversees teams of contractors and employees, including Stumpo’s mom, Beverly, and her 21-year old daughter Samantha. It’s definitely a family affair, but one that makes her personal life a little complicated, thanks to her close working and personal relationship with her ex-husband Joe Stumpo, and her best friend/construction foreman Michael Rebholz. Luckily, Cindy’s grandmother, aka Nana, is there to help her regroup and find a little humor along the way.
Is it any good?
The series showcases Cindy Stumpo as a strong and independent woman who, as the owner and manager of her own company, is both a shrewd businessperson and a natural leader. It also shows how, as a single mother, she is committed to the present and future well-being of her adult children.
These themes are definitely positive, but they are somewhat diminished by the show’s focus on her soap opera-like struggle with emotional attachments she has to her ex-husband and to her foreman. While it makes the show more voyeuristically entertaining, it also takes the attention away from her professional success in a male-dominated industry.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about what it is like to work in a field or industry that is usually dominated by people of a specific gender. What is it like to work in an all-male environment if you are female? What if you are male and work in a predominantly female-oriented career? What are the challenges? Benefits?
How real do you think the relationship Cindy Stumpo has with some of the cast members of the show are? Why would she discuss them on television? Do you think it is hyped up to make the show more entertaining? Why or why not?
TV details
- Premiere date: March 18, 2010
- Cast: Cindy Stumpo, Joe Stumpo, Michael Rebholz
- Network: HGTV
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Great Girl Role Models
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: September 19, 2019
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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.
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