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13: Fear Is Real

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Erica Renee Johnson, Ted Kirner, Melyssa Nocar, Where to watch: CW)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Scary reality show emulates horror films; not for kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The show's mood is intentionally very eerie, from the creepy abandoned shack where it's set to the unnerving nature of the challenges to the unseen host who calls himself The Mastermind. The activities -- including burying people alive and abandoning people, bound and gagged, in the middle of the woods -- are designed to scare the participants. The Mastermind frequently uses language that evokes death, murder, and terror; the end of each episode, when contestants are ejected, is even called the Execution Ceremony.

  • Violence:

    No actual violence, but the show goes to great lengths to recreate the creepy mood of a horror film by placing the participants in terrifying situations. The contestants are often visibly scared.

  • Sex:

    No sex or nudity, though there's some flirting between contestants.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Contestants sometimes compare the situations in the game to well-known horror films, which are mentioned by name.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About 13: Fear Is Real

Parents need to know that this creepy reality show recreates the look and feel of a horror film. The 13 contestants participate in a series of challenges that are intentionally designed to scare both them and the audience -- such as burying people alive or tying them up and abandoning them outdoors at night. The action is guided by an unseen host, The Mastermind, who often uses language that evokes death; the segment of the show in which contestants are kicked out is even referred to as the Execution Ceremony. There's little actual violence, but the overall effect is very spooky and could easily scare young viewers.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about horror films. Why are they so popular? How do many recent horror movies, like the Saw series -- which seem to focus on violence and torture -- differ from earlier films? What's appealing about watching people be subjected to such unpleasant fates? Does this show seem similar to a horror film? Many of the contestants seem uncomfortable, and some even confess to being terrified. Why would they be willing to participate in the show? Is it just for a chance to win the prize, or do you think some of them enjoy being scared? Do you like to be scared? Would you participate in a show like this? (Parents: Check out our Scary Movies Tips for more information.)

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