The Amazing Race - TV-PG

Stress + competition = not for all kids.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: CBS, Travel Channel Cast: Phil Keoghan Genre: Reality TV
Available on: DVDDownload

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this fast-paced reality show gives viewers a taste of both the positive and negative consequences of competition. In the heat of the moment, participants can either be supportive or downright callous to their partners. Competitors frequently speak about others behind their back ("I'd like to get in her pants." "They're probably off smoking pot.") and give them nicknames with derogatory or stereotypical undertones ("The Gay Guys," "The Frosties," "The Fratboys"). That said, the show does give viewers a look at beautiful, exotic places all over the world.

Families can discuss the participants' behavior. Does a competitor have a moral obligation to help another struggling team, or is it okay to leave them floundering? Who in this competition seems to be balancing a healthy competitive spirit with good, sportsmanlike behavior? For fun, you can also talk about travel -- where would you go if you could go anywhere in the world? Are there any places featured on the show that you wouldn't want to visit? Why not?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Pam Gelman

THE AMAZING RACE is one of the most successful, lauded reality shows in prime time. From producer Jerry Bruckheimer, it combines the thrill of competition with the excitement of travel. Eleven teams, usually pairs, dash all over the globe, performing tasks of physical and mental skills. Each episode includes a race to the finish line; the last team to arrive is eliminated. The winner of the final episode wins $1 million (and a lot of free press).

Hosted and narrated by Phil Keoghan, each week's episode of The Amazing Race takes the viewer on a tour of the challenges and success stories that competitors face each week. The dramatic moments are illustrated with music, camera angles, and Keoghan's facial expressions, which some viewers may find over the top.

Typically, the competitors are young, strong, attractive pairs, either romantic couples, siblings, or best friends. A sprinkling of other demographics is also represented: older couples, men and women of color, gay couples, mother/daughter teams, and pairs who, on the surface, seem less athletic. There's such sharp distinction between the types of teams that it's almost as if they come straight out of central casting to fulfill a certain look and criteria.

Of course, there's as much drama in the dynamics between the competitors as in the race itself. The harsh dialogue and lack of support between some team members can be quite difficult to watch. Clearly, some folks tolerate stress better than others, but it's hard not to wonder how much of this drama is real -- and how much is part of the show. Parents have to ask themselves whether the kid viewers in their household can make that distinction.

Is this an okay show for kids? It depends. For older tweens and teens who are naturally competitive or have a taste for world travel, yes. But kids need a certain level of maturity to be able to understand the drama within this competition. Parents need to be available to filter, discuss, and answer questions about the participants' competitive behavior.

For other similar shows, check out (with parental guidance) Survivor or eco-travel reality show Trippin'.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Competitors speak about wanting sex.
Violence Some challenges are intense mental or physical struggles that may be hard to watch.
Language "Friggin'," "doggone it," "hell," "crap," and other mild profanity.
Message
	Social Behavior Some pairs model excellent partnership, while others are extremely critical of each other.
	Commercialism Some prizes are sponsored by Travelocity.com.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Competitors jokingly ask each other if they "are smoking pot."