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Cha$e

(Rated NR, Game shows, Starring Trey Farley, Where to watch: Syfy, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 12.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Entertaining hybrid of video games and reality TV.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–13

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The format of the show makes people into human "prey," running in fear from a group of robot-like Hunters in exchange for money. Though it's clear from the start that the Runners are in no real danger -- and the show exaggerates the fact that it's all a highly contrived game -- it's hard to ignore the fact that the participants are just 21st-century gladiators, willing to pretend to risk their lives for the chance to win some cash.
  • Violence:

    Though there's almost no actual violence, the chase format creates a pervasive sense of menace as the Hunters stalk the Runners. This tension in ramped up throughout the show as more and more Hunters are gradually released, and the runners' fear is palpable. But to eliminate a Runner, all the Hunters need do is tag one, and the actual event is pretty anticlimactic.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Some words are bleeped.
  • Consumerism:

    The Hunters seem very much like the Terminator. This isn't lost on the Runners, who sometimes say their pursuers are comparable to the well-known robotic assassins from the Terminator film series.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Cha$e

Parents need to know that this game/reality show makes people the prey; they earn money for every minute they manage to elude a band of Hunters. The Hunters -- actors who present themselves as single-minded, robotic assassins -- create a sense of intimidation and danger as they pursue the contestants, and though there's little to no actual violence, the mood is very menacing. And while this is clearly a game show, it's pretty hard not to also see it as a modern gladiator sport, with participants pretending to risk their lives in exchange for money.


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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about game shows. What would you be willing to do for the chance to win some money? Are you willing to be embarrassed? Endure unpleasant situations? Eat disgusting food? Do you think reality shows and game shows are becoming more and more likely to thrust participants into humiliating or dangerous situations? Do you think this show, which acts as if the participants are putting their life on the line, is pushing the limit? What kind of show, if anything, would cross the line?

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