Tools for this page
Print

The Ultimate Fighter

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Matt Serra, Shonie Carter, Randy Couture, Where to watch: Spike)

  • 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 13, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Violent, but a TKO for martial arts fans.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Even though fighters have lost their previous matches, they're given the chance to redeem themselves and work hard to make the most of their second chance. That said, the show still promotes extreme wrestling/fighting, which is very violent.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    While the violence here doesn't involve weapons, sensitive viewers might be upset by the often-bloody fight scenes, which take place in a large roped- and caged-off ring.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    The strongest words ("motherf---ing" and "f---ing") are bleeped out.

  • Consumerism:

    The matches are sponsored by advertisers.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Ultimate Fighter

Parents need to know that this extreme sports reality show is quite violent. The competition pits fighters trained in wrestling and jujitsu against each other, which results in bloody battles, bruises, and sometimes severe cuts and scrapes.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about martial arts. What are the different kinds of disciplines? Why do some practitioners believe that martial arts help with character development and mental acuity? How have the martial arts evolved over the years? Is fighting like this a good advertisement for martial arts? Does it make them seem more violent than they typically are?
Tools and tips that can help

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

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Ultimate Fighter?

  •  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. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Calciano355
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0

    I have watched martial arts all my life. I always viewed as a sport and it never gave me the notion that it is acceptable to go around hitting people. It is very entertaining and is acceptable for anyone who can distinguish it as sport violence.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Adult Reviewer
    candjoct2001
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0

    terrible for kids

    Parents do not let your children watch this stupid sport. I don't have a problem with you watching it but if your child does than I do. Not for kids, people wonder why kids fight hit and disobey well this is why!!!!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 6+
    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

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

  • Tech Tip

    Protecting privacy is a bigger issue than predators.Beyond Safety

    Protecting privacy is a bigger issue than predators.

  • Book of the Week

    Age 12+
    Catching Fire: The Hunger Games, Book 2

    Catching Fire: The Hunger Games, Book 2

    Sequel just as gripping -- and brutal -- as the first.

  • Pick of the Week

    Spook-tacular Books

    Spook-tacular Books

    Fun Halloween picture books for young kids.

  • Download This

    Age 10+
    The Time of Our Lives

    The Time of Our Lives

    Walmart-exclusive mini-CD is edgy but kid-friendly.

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
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.