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Dog the Bounty Hunter

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Duane Chapman, Beth Smith, Leland Chapman, Where to watch: A&E, DVD, Download)
  • 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 12.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Engrossing, gritty reality show has some bite.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Enforces the importance of following laws, since the consequences of breaking them won't be pretty. The Chapmans have strong family relationships. Dog is a colorful character who says what he thinks and isn't always PC. The behavior exhibited by suspects is hardly role-model worthy.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Chapman sometimes threatens to use force on suspects, and he'll hold down a suspect while he handcuffs him.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Fairly mild: "Goddamn," etc.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some of the areas Dog visits are clearly drug-infested -- and many of the people he apprehends are users -- but no use is shown.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Dog the Bounty Hunter

Parents need to know that the star of this reality show is a former convict who now spends his time hunting down fugitives from the law. This means that his work takes him to some seedy spots (including drug-infested neighborhoods) and gives viewers a good look at some hardened, careless criminals. He sometimes threatens to use force, but actual conflicts are rare, and violence isn't a big issue.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the consequences of breaking the law. What happens when someone is arrested? How do the courts work? Is prison the best option for punishing criminals? Do you think going to prison can help some people turn their lives around?
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Our Members Say

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See all 14 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Washington
    Kids ages: 19, 24
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0

    Biggest Ego Show on TV

    This family of misfits is an insult to intelligent people. It's all about hair, clothes, lookin' good for the cameras. I really don't care that some of you feel this show has merit. Dog & company know a good thing when they see it. What a waste of air space. And that people find this show relevant, I can only shake my head.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 1.0

    dog the Drag Queen

    Looks like a Drag Queen to me--and most men I know, sincerely believe he is gay or a cross dresser--too femine for me...clearly, a drag queen

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 1.0

    old drag queen (what cool?)

    I never got what was cool about this old Drag Queen chasing guys around? Obviously, someone with the patholgy of a cross dressor or whatever his thing is, denotes mentality of a street walking trans-sexual; the nature of, so to speak. Nevertheless, I just don't get what is interesting or even cool about an old Drag Queen Bounty Hunter named dog? Of course, dog is most likely the accurate word in the whole show.

  4. Teen Reviewer
    Age 16
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    dog the bounty hunter is must to watch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    The reason I like watching Dog The Bounty Hunter because someday I want to be a bounty hunter and work with The Chapmans and also Dog makes the streets safe by taking the criminals off the block that are drugs(ice,heroin,etc.).

  5. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    Oh my gosh...

    This is some of the worst TV I have ever seen...I can understand why younger kids would enjoy it...But wow... If your kids are shallow enough to enjoy an obviously scripted reality show, about some "big bad bounty hunter" (who is really just some lame, failed actor) Than let them watch it...

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