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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

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    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?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    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.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    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!!!!

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