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Ice Road Truckers

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Thom Beers, Where to watch: History, DVD, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 11.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Dangerous driving makes for exciting reality show.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 11–14

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The drivers are generally hardworking and good natured. Some of the guys have rough exteriors. Tension between the guys is part of the show's drama.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    There's a constant threat of injury -- or even death -- when doing this dangerous job. Some scenes show accidents (but no injuries). Occasional joking threats of violence between the guys.

  • Sex:

    Some mild sexually tinged humor of the "boys will be boys" variety -- including use of terms like "peckers" and "kinky underwear." One of the guys moons the camera, but his butt is blurred out.

  • Language:

    Some profanity, including plenty of "hell" and "damn" and the occasional "ass."

  • Consumerism:

    Mentions diamond mining companies.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Several of the men smoke cigarettes, and there's mention of drinking/bars. Drivers must take drug tests before the driving season, and that process is documented.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Ice Road Truckers

Parents need to know that the truck drivers featured in this reality show are always at risk of accidents and even death -- which the narrator emphasizes regularly. Some scenes include mild to moderate accidents, though injuries aren't shown. The narrator also describes deadly accidents from the past while graphics and stock footage (like shots from below the ice as the trucks drive over it) hint at impending danger. The truckers sometimes engage in coarse humor (one moons the camera, though his butt is blurred onscreen), and occasional jokes about "peckers" and "kinky underwear" pepper the dialogue, but it doesn't go further than that.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the appeal of shows like this and Deadliest Catch. What's so fascinating about getting a glimpse of these dangerous jobs? Do you think these shows are more or less realistic than other reality series? Families can also discuss trucking in general. What would be appealing about being a trucker? What would be the hardest part of the job? Why are most truckers men? Would you take the risks the "ice road truckers" take? If so, would you do it for the money or the thrill?
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Our Members Say

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See all 8 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    basenjilove9
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 4.0

    Pretty cool :)

    I really like this show! Very exciting!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  2. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Slipknot778
    Lives in New Hampshire
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    AWESOME!!!!!!!!

    You have got to see it, all my friends love it I love it to, it makes it cool because of dangers on the ice, there are some languge in it though, so just 10+ and over could probably watch it.

    This review...

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  3. Adult Reviewer
    shysaway
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 3.0

    Good Info on Truck Drivers

    My husband is also a Truck Driver and so I know how the life is but being on tv like they are they should curve their language. I know that they beep the bad language out but kids aint that stupid and they can figure out what is being said.

    This review...

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  4. Adult Reviewer
    shadd13
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    great

    A must watch show, great for every one.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  5. Adult Reviewer
    clemmer21
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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