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Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this unique game show puts the audience in charge of making contestants' dreams -- which usually involve needing money -- come true. Dreams run the gamut from the selfless (starting an animal sanctuary) to the more predictable (improving one's looks or giving romantic gifts to partners). Competition is generally tame and civil but occasionally includes mild insults. In one episode, a contestant briefly mentioned children with cancer dying. The "Great American Dream Girls" -- who don't speak and wear short, slinky dresses -- make brief but regular appearances to deliver voting results to the host and escort losers off stage.

Families can talk about what sets this series apart from other game shows. Do you think the contestants on this show seem as greedy as those on other game shows? Why or why not? What would you play for if you were on the show? Speaking of which, families can also discuss their dreams. What are your dreams? What would it take to make them come true? Is money the main thing holding you back, or is it something else? Has anyone in your family made his or her dream come true?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Sierra Filucci

What do a bald man, a pageant mother, a pet lover, and a loving husband have in common? They're all hoping that THE GREAT AMERICAN DREAM VOTE will give them the resources they need to accomplish their dreams -- whether it's undergoing a hair transplant, getting pageant training, starting an animal sanctuary, or making a spouse very, very happy.

Hosted by Donny Osmond, this series is a cross between American Idol, an old-fashioned game show, and a tell-all talk show. Each episode features eight contestants, who are divided into four pairs. The two contestants in each pair have similar dreams -- such as the two moms who both want their daughters to become pageant winners.

Osmond introduces the pairs, and each contestant gets a chance to briefly describe his or her dream. Viewers then watch a short home video, which sometimes features the subjects of the contestants' dream (daughter, wife, etc.). After that, the contestants make their pitch again, then each answers a few questions from Osmond, and, finally, they each each get 15 seconds to make their final case to the audience. The audience votes using handheld devices, and one of the two contestants moves on to the next round.

As each episode nears its close and the four finalists stand on the stage, they all get a chance to plead their case again, sometimes reiterating their stories and sometimes comparing themselves to the competition. The audience then narrows the choice down to two possible dream winners, leaving the final choice to the voters out in TV land (who can call in up to five votes per phone line for their favorite). The winner is revealed during the next episode.

As Osmond makes clear in his introduction, none of the contestants' dreams will save people's lives, but they all have the potential to change lives significantly. The chance to open a business or help a family member is surely a dream of many real folks. For the most part, the contestants seem sincere and legitimate, rather than overly polished or exceptionally articulate. This adds a genuine feel to the competition -- which is nice but doesn't make up for the repetitiveness of the contestants' pitches (which unfortunately ends up making the show rather boring).

Parents will find little objectionable material in Great American Dream Vote, though whether there's anything particularly valuable here either is another question. Even though folks are competing against one another, they don't tend to be nasty while doing it -- a few snide remarks is about as bad as it gets.

Fans might also enjoy Cash Cab and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

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