Tools for this page
Print

Bandits vs. Smokies

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Jon Reep, Where to watch: CMT)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Cops-style comedy sends iffy messages.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The series sometimes casts an unfavorable light on law-enforcement officials. The host -- a comedian dressed as a police officer -- encourages viewers to laugh at criminals' misfortune and lack of intelligence, and the voice-over commentary puts similarly judgmental words in the mouths of some of the real cops. The host also uses language and mannerisms to broadly stereotype Southern police officers.

  • Violence:

    Vehicle crashes and scenes of people getting hit by cars are common. But injuries aren't shown up close; usually the scene cuts away quickly as victims lie motionless on the ground.

  • Sex:

    The rare instances of nudity are blurred out.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    None is shown, but some subjects are said to be drunk.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Bandits vs. Smokies

Parents need to know that this caught-on-camera series makes constant fun of "stupid" criminals. The host -- a comedian dressed as a police officer -- is a harshly stereotyped Southern "deputy" who encourages viewers to laugh at the criminals' poor decisions. Also mined for humor are vehicle crashes and collisions between cars and pedestrians (injuries aren't shown up close or in detail), and even the actions of real-life cops. Kids who watch could end up taking police work (and authority in general) much less seriously.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how law enforcement is portrayed in the media. Do reality series like this one and Cops cast police officers in a favorable or negative light? How? Do you think they give an accurate impression of how officers work and criminals behave? How does where a show takes place change its portrayal of police? (Think about The Andy Griffith Show, Dukes of Hazzard, and CHiPS, for example.) How do current crime-based TV shows like Law & Order and CSI give a different impression of police work? Are any of them more realistic than others? How? Also, is it OK to laugh at authority figures? Can comedy ever do more harm than good?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Bandits vs. Smokies?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    tica4eva
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

    I love this show

    i think this is one of the funniest shows i've seen. i really like how they put comedy in the cops vs. bandits kinda thing. it makes it interesting to watch. i would not suggest it to little kids though

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 9+
    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Must See TV

    Age 13+
    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Game of the Week

    Age 8+
    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.