American Stuffers

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Taxidermy reality is not for the squeamish.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this series, which features a taxidermist preserving animals, contains graphic images of dead animals being cut up, frozen, and stuffed. Despite the strong imagery, the themes of this show are mostly positive and include helping people through the grieving process, professionalism, and family. There is some iffy language ("piss," "hell"), references to "rednecks", and images of hunting rifles.

  • The series shows how animal preservation is both a science and an artform. It also shows how it can help pet owners move on after the loss of their animal.
  • Daniel and his crew work hard to both comfort and please their customers. The crew often plays pranks on each other, but they are harmless and intended to be in good fun.
  • Taxidermists are shown removing organs from dead animals. Animal skulls and frozen carcasses are visible, and are often shown being worked on. Hunting is a major part of the region's culture; rifles are frequently visible. Minor arguments often arise between Daniel and LaDawn.
  • One male employee likes to work shirtless.

What's the story?

AMERICAN STUFFERS features Daniel Ross, the owner of Xtreme Taxidermy, an Arkansas-based business dedicated to preserving animals in a way that provides dignity and respect for pets and their owners. With the support of his wife LaDawn, and the help of his team of taxidermists, including Joseph, Fred, and college intern Dixie, he freezes, stuffs, and paints animals including dogs, cats, snakes, and chickens so that their owners can keep them forever. They also preserve the heads, hides, and skeletons of animals that people have hunted and killed. It's not an easy job, especially when things get hectic, but Daniel never loses sight of the significance each animal has to their owners, and the importance of doing the job right.


Is it any good?

 

The show highlights the science and artistry that is required to professionally restore different species of animals. It also shows how grieving owners can often find peace after the loss of their beloved pet once their animal has been restored.  

Watching the actual restoration process isn't pleasant, but the series' overall focus on helping people, as well as the sophistication of the work involved, puts these moments into context. Ross's passion for his work, his professionalism, and his commitment to comforting his clients also gives it a positive spin. There are a lot of good messages here, but it definitely isn't for the faint of heart.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about why Daniel Ross and his team are on a reality show. Is it because their work is interesting? Or is it because they is doing a job that most people find difficult or distasteful? Can you think of any other professions that most people wouldn't be willing to do that would make for an interesting reality show?

  • Do you think it's necessary to show the animals so graphically? Would the show be as appealing without the graphic details?


This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Parent
February 21, 2012
 
More Episodes of American Stuffers Please
This show is filled with mixed emotions for me but I find it to be a very informitive show and would love to see more episodes in the future

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Parent
February 21, 2012
 
Very Unique and Interesting
I think this is a very good show and this is a great family. I think it is a very unique show and makes you think outside of the box.

Flag as inappropriate 
Parent
February 21, 2012
 
Love Animal Stuffers very Cool Show
I think this is a cool show and I watch it every week maybe the scripting is a bit much needs to be more real in that aspect but I find this to be facinating and interesting.

Flag as inappropriate 

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-14
Network:Animal Planet
Cast:Daniel Ross, LaDawn Ross
Genre:Reality TV

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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