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Guinea Pig

(Rated NR, Reality TV, Starring Ryan Stock, AmberLynn Walker, Where to watch: Syfy)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    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

    Pain and suffering in the name of science. Ouch.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Though Stock says he's willing to endure this punishment in the name of science, it might make viewers wonder whether there's really a scientific need for any person to suffer so much -- and whether there's actual entertainment value in watching it.

  • Violence:

    No fighting, beatings, or conflict, but Stock sure suffers a lot of abuse. The basic premise is that he tries to test the limits of the human body by letting himself get stung by scorpions, sprayed in the face with pepper spray, and any other painful experiment he can devise. His reactions range from uncomfortable to obvious agony, and it can be disconcerting to watch.

  • Sex:

    No sex, but host Stock sometimes strips to his underwear to show off the nasty bruises and welts he collects during his research.

  • Language:

    Despite the amazing abuse heaped on Stock, "Oh man!" is about as profane as he gets.

  • Consumerism:

    Some of the painful devices used on Stock are mentioned by name, such as pepper spray or Tasers.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Guinea Pig

Parents need to know that this reality/science show is all about pain. It's not particularly violent; typically, star Ryan Stock just stands there and takes the abuse, whether he's letting a scorpion sting him or a cop douse him in the face and eyes with pepper spray. That's the whole point of the show: for him to suffer and endure an increasingly dangerous array of excruciating attacks. He's clearly in agony at times, and by the end of each episode, his body may be marked by bruises and welts as he limps off to recover for next time. Parents should also remind kids not to try similar experiments on their own (though, frankly, most probably won't want to, given how painful they look).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what this show is offering. Is there really value in Stock's experiments? Do viewers learn anything useful or helpful from watching him suffer? And is that entertaining in the first place? Why or why not? Why are people interested in watching others suffers? Do you think Stock ever goes too far?
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