 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
- CMT, Fox
- Genre: Game Shows
Common Sense Media says
Kids know more than grown-ups in clever game show.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that kids help adults answer questions taken from grade-school textbooks that could win the adult contestants up to $1 million. That said, the kids are mainly on the sidelines in this program. The content of the questions is completely unobjectionable, and kids are treated with respect (though in one episode host Jeff Foxworthy compared a young girl's looks to those of Halle Berry). One aspect of the game -- in which a contestant can "peek" or "copy" a child's answer -- might be seen to endorse cheating.
What's the story?
Family-friendly game show ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER? pits adults against standard elementary school textbooks. Each adult contestant faces a class of real fifth graders (the kids ham it up for the camera) and chooses one to be his or her "classmate" for up to two questions. The chosen student then stands at a podium next to the contestant and can be called on for help if needed. If contestants need help, they can use one of two "cheats." A "peek" allows the adult to look at the student's answer and choose whether or not to use it. A "copy" lets the contestant use the kid's answer without viewing it first. Contestants can also use the "save" option -- which lets them get out of an incorrect answer if their student helper gets the answer correct -- once per game.
Is it any good?
The show has a unique concept, though a pretty standard format. Overall Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? is pleasant and innocuous, though it may move too slowly for some teens and adults. Viewers will enjoy answering questions along with the contestants, and younger viewers might get a kick out of knowing more than their parents for a change.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about why it's hard for grown-ups to answer these seemingly simple questions. Kids, how well did you do on the questions? Grown ups, how about you? What do you think this show says about adults' intelligence? Or the type of learning that occurs in grade school?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Parent
April 9, 2008
AGE
So far, I've only watched the first 2 episodes, but I think it's a cute show. I like the fact that I can watch it with my kids (ages 5&7) & not have to worry about bad language, sex, violence, etc. My 7 year-old/2nd grader loved watching it, because he knew some of the answers, but my 5 year-old/Kindergartner was a little bored. I'm not sure why it is on so late, but, luckily, we have a DVR & can watch it when we want. I think it is a pretty harmless & fun show.
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Kid, 7 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
A must read book for every 8 year old
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Adult
February 15, 2011
AGE
While it does serve to be an intermittently humorous piece of entertainment, it carries far more negative messages than good ones. For starters, the general theme of the show portrays 'average Americans' as well, not as smart as a 5th grader, and as an American citizen and student myself, this is not a label that I care to display. Building on that, the concept that the adult is inferior to the child is also a very negative in that it sends a message to children watching the show that they are superior to their elders, and thus should show them less respect. That by itself is understandably unacceptable. The only saving grace that this show does have, is that it is mildly educational. Of course keep in mind that it only contains information up to a 5th grade level so in a sense, it is not really educational at all.
What other families should know:
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Kid, 11 years old
September 13, 2010
AGE
Fine for kids of all ages.
This show is fine for kids of all ages, but does get boring after a while. I don't watch it anymore.
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AGE
never recommend it 2 a 4 yeer ol
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AGE
never recommend it 2 a 4 yeer ol
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Kid, 9 years old
June 1, 2010
AGE
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Parent of 10 year old
May 8, 2010
AGE
a family must see!
educational and enteraining! so good for the whole family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Networks: | CMT, Fox |
| Cast: | Jeff Foxworthy |
| Genre: | Game Shows |
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