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Ripley's Believe It or Not!

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Dean Cain, Where to watch: Syfy, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Bizarre feats for those with strong stomachs.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Striving to reach a goal -- or looking for 15 minutes of fame?

  • Violence:

    Some acts involve self-inflicted pain.

  • Sex:

    A few acts include partial nudity -- menus written on the backs of naked waiters/waitresses, bikini trading cards, etc.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    The name "Ripley" is widely recognized and will trigger interest in attending the related museums.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Parents need to know that the feats performed on this show can be bizarre and grotesque and sometimes involve pain. Such acts are presented in graphic detail using dramatic music and camera angles and can be very difficult for anyone to watch, including adults, which makes it a poor choice for younger or squeamish kids. That said, not all acts involve self-inflicted pain -- some are actually inspirational or funny, and many showcase the amount of hard work it takes to reach a goal. If young viewers are curious about the bizarre accomplishments featured here, be aware of what they're watching and emphasize that nothing they see should be replicated at home.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the amount of patience, commitment, and passion it can take to reach a goal. But what's the motivation for these participants? Are they internally driven to prove something to themselves, or are they looking for their 15 minutes of fame? How would you cope with external pressure when you're setting a personal goal?
Tools and tips that can help

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    loucheena
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

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    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  2. Adult Reviewer
    Dr.Pepper
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Love it

    This was one of my favorite shows.

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