Tools for this page
Print

Oprah's Big Give

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Oprah Winfrey, Jamie Oliver, Malaak Compton-Rock, Where to watch: ABC)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Charity-minded series puts heart in reality TV.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The show promotes charitable work and demonstrates how rewarding it can be to help someone in need. Some personal stories of financial and emotional struggles (dealing with the loss of a spouse or enduring war injuries, for example) may affect sensitive viewers. Competitors are eliminated weekly for failing to impress the judges with their fundraising efforts, contestants occasionally put down their peers' work, and, as deadlines loom, tensions can rise among teammates.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Some participants have encountered violence (physical/sexual abuse, gun violence, war injuries, and the like) and give general details of their experiences.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Corporate donors like Target, Chase Bank, and United Airlines get screen time for their contributions.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Oprah's Big Give

Parents need to know that the participants in this reality series compete to improve others' lives with no knowledge of any personal monetary gain. That positive message of giving makes this show a family-friendly choice as reality shows go, but kids may need further explanation about the judging and elimination process and why contestants are sent home after working so hard for charity. Some of the needy folks' stories -- which are full of hardship and challenge -- may affect sensitive viewers. Don't be surprised to see a fair number of corporate donors' logos pop up, either.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how series like this one can inspire change. Are they as much fun to watch as other, more competitive reality shows? Why or why not? Were you touched by the stories you heard from the charity recipients? Did they make you take a look at your own situation and see what you can do to help others? What are the benefits of giving back?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Oprah's Big Give?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    A great Influence!

    This is such a good show, because instead of being greedy to win themselves money, contestants compete to "out give" each other. I is such a good influence for children (and even adults) :)

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Must See TV

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name