Crash Course

Review

Common Sense Media says

Witty banter makes light of too-dangerous driving stunts.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this game show -- in which contestants compete in extreme driving obstacle courses for a chance to win a cash prize -- features very dangerous stunts that young drivers should be reminded never to try. There's a good bit of salty language (words like "hell," “piss," and “crap” are audible, while stronger terms are bleeped) and some mild sexual innuendo.

  • Positive messages0
    The show isn't out to convey any particular message -- its goal is to entertain. But it does that by showing people crashing cars in crazy and dangerous collision courses, all in the hunt for a cash prize.
  • Positive role models0
    Despite the fact that the competitors all wear safety gear, parents need to be very up front about discussing the fact that stunts like these should never be tried at home. On the up side, the competitors are a diverse bunch.
  • Violence3
    Cars fly through the air, flip, crash, and occasionally catch fire. The teams wear protective gear and drive reinforced cars, and the hosts remind viewers that the show's stunts shouldn't be tried at home. Some competitors scream in dear during their drive, and occasionally bystanders (including camera crews) must run for their lives as cars go out of control.
  • Sex1
    Some mild sexual innuendo that will likely go over young kids' head, including references to “failing to launch”  and calling women “cougars."
  • Language3
    A fair bit of audible strong language, including “hell," “piss," and “crap." “S--t” is bleeped, while “f--k” is bleeped and speakers' mouths are blurred.
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking1
    Minor references to bars and drinking.
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What's the story?

In CRASH COURSE, everyday people drive through a variety of automotive obstacle courses for the chance to win $50,000. In each episode, hosts Orlando Jones and Dan Cortese contribute funny quips as they watch five pairs -- married couples, single mothers, best friends, siblings, etc. -- attempt to successfully do things like drive onto moving platform trucks, purposely flip their cars, and other gravity-defying stunts. Cameras inside each car record the teams' reactions as they crash through each event. After elimination events, the two teams left standing compete against each other for the grand prize in the ultimate crash course.

Is it any good?

 

The series doesn’t have much to offer outside of the extreme-driving events, which combine the speed of racing with the explosiveness of a demolition derby. Loud crashing noises and screams from the competitors (usually when they're helplessly veering into poles and/or camera crews) add to the chaos/entertainment. Viewers may not be able to suppress a chuckle at Jones and Cortese’s humorous banter, either, as they offer their candid opinions about each team’s idiosyncrasies.

Crash Course definitely isn't for everyone, but if you like obstacle course-oriented game shows and/or find cars flying through the air (and landing in a variety of positions) exciting, this series won't disappoint. Still, be sure to remind car-loving viewers of all ages that no matter how much fun it looks like on television, these stunts are extremely dangerous and should never be attempted at home.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about might motivate people to participate in a game show that could be potentially dangerous. Is it just for the money, or do you think there could be other reasons?

  • Would you consider participating in a reality competition show? Why or why not? If you did, who would you pair up with?

  • What's the appeal and the excitement of extreme sports? Do audiences get into it because of the competitors' daring or because there's always a chance that someone could get hurt? Does the element of risk make competitions more exciting?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Teen, 14 years old
August 27, 2009
AGE
9
 
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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:ABC
Cast:Dan Cortese, Orlando Jones
Genre:Game Shows
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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