Common Sense Media Review
By Sierra Filucci
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Big-rig rehab show has heart but falls flat.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
In TRICK MY TRUCK, a group of guys dubbed the Chrome Shop Mafia find big-rig drivers with compelling stories and overhaul their trucks. Sort of an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition for the trucking set, the show focuses on helping drivers who are down on their luck or have a noble cause, customizing their rigs to fit their situation. In one episode, for example, a senior couple who drives across the country towing a replica of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial gets a complete rehab, from custom paint job to deluxe interior.
Is It Any Good?
Though Trick My Truck's crew has the familiar tattooed look of many car-rehab show "characters," this group has a decidedly different perspective than those on the other series (which are mostly based in Los Angeles). The Chrome Shop Mafia folks are patriotic, blue collar, and down to earth.
Unfortunately, their dialogue feels scripted and their delivery is lifeless, making for less-appealing characters than some of the other, more personality-driven shows. Some of the jokes included to lighten things up fall flat or just seem corny. But on the plus side, the show is only 30 minutes, which means the work goes fast and viewers get to see big changes without getting weighed down in the details.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the appeal of cars and trucks -- and shows that revolve around them. Why are some people so fascinated by trucks? How much money do you think it takes to fix up these trucks? Why do you think the crew pretends to steal the truck, rather than just announce to the owners what they're planning to do? Families can also discuss what it would be like to be a truck driver. What do you think would be fun -- or not so fun -- about it? What stereotypes are associated with truck drivers? Who's responsible for creating those associations? Does this show reinforce or undermine them?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 3, 2006
- Cast : Ryan Ryno Templeton
- Network : CMT
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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
Suggest an Update
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