Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Skater crew's antics mix friendship, slang, stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 10 kid reviews
Kids say that this show has a mixed reception, with many viewers criticizing its low-quality animation, lackluster writing, and voice acting, often comparing it unfavorably to other skateboarding shows. However, some fans appreciate its positive messages and character variety, arguing that it embraces individuality despite its flaws.
- poor animation
- weak writing
- mixed opinions
- positive messages
- character variety
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
WILD GRINDERS is a semi-autobiographical cartoon created by professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek that centers on skater kid Lil' Rob (voiced by Dyrdek) and his motley crew of friends and their escapades around their hometown of Sprawl City. Whether they're mastering moves at their favorite skate park, The Lot, or fending off the troubles brought on by neighborhood bully Stubford (Erin Fitzgerald), these kids are never short on adventure, and they find their greatest strength in a mutual love of skating and a common affection for each other.
Is It Any Good?
Immersed in the skating culture and set in the concrete jungle of a big city, Wild Grinders is inspired by Dyrdek's own experiences as a young skater and reflects the vast diversity among the avid hobbyists. The stories entice kids by embellishing an everyday endeavor like skating with wild spin, taking the kids to Internet fame or allowing them to practice their hobby in highly unusual places. The result is a fun and carefree show that doesn't exactly reflect most kids' concepts of reality but does have some good messages about friendship and respect nonetheless.
That said, this is a real know-your-kid situation. If your youngsters are easily influenced by what they see and hear on TV, then this might be one to pass over. The schoolyard-type setting encourages slang (no cursing, but some borderline choices like "That was sick!"), name-calling, and an array of phrases that you may not want to hear from your own kid. What's more, these street-wise kids often come across as disrespectful to grown-ups, and they have a knack for getting what they want from them, often by some fast talking or old-fashioned badgering. While it deserves some credit for reflecting some aspects of urban culture, these same qualities can have an undesirable effect on kids who don't know where to draw the line between what they see and what they do.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stereotypes in the media. What racial or geographical stereotypes exist in this show? Do they expose viewers to different places and ways of life? Are there any negative effects of these characterizations?
Kids: What differences exist between the characters in this show and those in other shows you watch? How does a person's environment help shape who they are? What aspects of your home and life influence you the most?
What are your family's rules about posting stuff online?
What are some of your favorite hobbies? What do you learn from your involvement in these activities? Do they expose you to different groups of people you might otherwise not have known?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 27, 2012
- Cast : Erin Fitzgerald , Kel Mitchell , Rob Dyrdek
- Network : Nicktoons
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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