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Identity

(Rated TV-PG, Game shows, Starring Penn Jillette, Where to watch: NBC, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 11.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Iffy concept relies on making snap judgments.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 11–13

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Forces players to judge others by their appearance -- some are obvious (potentially reinforcing stereotypes), and others aren't. What does this teach us? Standard game show greed.
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Occasional sexual innuendo, especially related to how someone looks (athletic, etc.). Some skimpy clothes.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Commercials linked to the show feature kids hawking mouthwash while pretending to be playing the game.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Identity

Parents need to know that this game show asks contestants (and, by extension, viewers) to make assumptions about people based on their appearance, but the pros and cons of using superficial characteristics like race, age, and body size to categorize someone are never discussed. Some of the people involved in the show wear skimpy, sexy clothing (like a bikini top and sarong), and occasionally a contestant makes a flirtatious comment toward one of them.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about judging people based on their appearance. What's wrong with making assumptions based on looks? Is it ever helpful to guess who someone is by looking at them? Have you ever been judged on your appearance? Have you ever made a mistake when making an assumption about someone? What messages is this show sending to kids and other viewers?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Kansas
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 1.0

    i lost 6 brain cells watching this

    i hate this show its so dumb and stupid i am glad that it got canceled

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I love this show! I wish the week long premere never ends!

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in New Hampshire
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    I laughed

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