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Busted

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Where to watch: MTV, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Police docu has iffy content, but lacks edge.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Most of those who get arrested show little remorse for what they've done and often blame the arresting officer for their troubles.

  • Violence:

    People occasionally get busted for being involved in fights. Suspects are seen running and/or resisting arrest; police officers are shown chasing, pushing, and Tasering suspects. The majority of the suspects are Caucasian; police officers are from various racial/ethnic backgrounds.

  • Sex:

    References to criminal solicitation (prostitution).

  • Language:

    Audible language includes words like "hell." Expletives like "s--t" and "f--k" are bleeped.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Reenactments of people (including some who are underage) drinking and smoking at parties. Suspects are sometimes extremely intoxicated. Potential for episodes related to drug use/dealing.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Busted

Parents need to know that this reality series includes actual footage of men and women under the age of 25 getting stopped, cited, and arrested by police officers. Those who were busted offer their own interpretation of events, often failing to take responsibility for their actions. Expect some salty language (though the strongest curse words are bleeped out), occasional violent behavior, reenactments that include smoking and drinking (some by people who are underage), and some discussions about issues like prostitution.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the consequences of the behavior depicted on this show. (Check out our tips for talking to your kids about drinking and other risky behaviors.) What mistakes did the people featured in this show make? Teens, how can you avoid making the same mistakes? Families can also discuss how the media portrays law enforcement. Do shows like this make you feel any safer? What messages do they convey about young people today?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    sammie267
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    Funny

    This show is so funny.. If you like to show Cops then you will like this show because it is almost the exact thing!

    This review...

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

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