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Criss Angel Mindfreak (A&E)

common sense media says

Magic + stunts = explosive entertainment.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that each episode of this series begins with a strong disclaimer for good reason, as the stunts performed could be deadly. Although Angel and his team plan for every possible mishap, the fact that he makes a spectator sport out of self-inflicted pain is disturbing. The show at least attempts to portray the seriousness of the stunts and follows up on any resulting injuries.

Positive messages: Angel is the poster boy for making questionable choices, but he's the only one who suffers physically from the stunts. His apparent ambiguity to the emotions he subjects his family to is a little disconcerting.
Violence: There's a lot of self-inflicted pain, but no violence.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Multiple uses of "damn" and "hell," but harsher words are bleeped out.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Spectators on the street, in restaurants, or casinos are often smoking and drinking.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Criss Angel Mindfreak

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about making responsible choices. What repercussions does Angel suffer from some of his stunts? How do his actions affect his family? Why does he continue doing this? Families can also discuss the limits of what should be on TV. Should something this dangerous be shown for entertainment? Does showing it make it seem less dangerous?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In the world of illusionists, "mindfreak" is defined as "a modern-day mystifier who utilizes skills beyond the category of magic." That definition applies perfectly to Criss Angel, who's driven by a single question: "How much force can a human body withstand without serious injury?" Angel (born Christopher Sarantakos) devises personal challenges based on most people's worst fears. Past stunts include dressing in a metal suit and standing under a Tesla coil to simulate being struck by lightning, holing up in a crate next to explosives to feel what's it's like to be blown up, and lighting himself on fire with little protection just to see if he could do it.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The fact that Angel is still alive after testing his limits time and time again is remarkable. Luckily for fans of extreme entertainment, he's done all of it in front of a camera. Each stunt requires extensive planning and preparation, and Angel works with a team of professionals to ensure his safety. But all of them, including his family members, are reminded daily that there are no guarantees, and each stunt could be his last. Although kids will love Angel's incredible magic, parents will want to preview the show to make sure the stunts aren't too frightening.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: A&E
Cast: Criss Angel, Gene Simmons, Jamie Kennedy
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: A&E
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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What parents & educators say

10

Most useful reviews by all members

crissa123
teen, 17 years old
 
It is a really good show
I like his show a lot cuz he cares about hos family & friends. i really got into magic when i first saw the show the first epiosde i saw was when he waz a candle for his moms birthday. I really want to be in the army & my family kinda supports that they really don't want me going cuz they don't want me to get killed but they i will do good if i were in the army
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blankita5661
adult
 
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hnbbubblegum
kid, 12 years old
4
 
Awesome Show!!!
This show is awesome! I love Criss Angel and he is a good role model to follow your dreams. I watch his show all the time. He does do deadly stunts, but clearly states that he is highly trained. Like I said he is a great role model for kids to look up to and has a very entertaining show.
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tumbletrack
kid, 12 years old
11
 
Fun Show
I love this show. Criss is an awesome role model, to follow your dreams. But he does do a lot of dangerous stunts, most of them could be deadly. Also in the background of some scenes there is bottles of Vodka and Wine. Also he is seen drinking. He never smokes, but teaches kids why NOT to smoke. Product Placement is visible, a lot of advertising for his store and other casinos and hotels in Las Vegas. He swares and lot, but most words are bleeped out. H*ll and Da*n aren't bleeped out but stronger words are. Just make sure your kids know to NEVER try to attempt his stunts, as they could be deadly.
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sexxxxycrissangel
adult
 
OMG AWESOMEEEEE!
dude, this show is like amazing it's not even funny. I love this show and it's so awesomeeee. so yeahh, if you wanna see something that will drive you crazy
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megafan12
teen, 15 years old
 
I love it!
Criss Angel Mindfreak is a great show. Magic, stunts, music. Well not alot of music but still. Criss is really cool i dont care what people say he's real to me. He's the one who got me into magic. He great i hope he doesn't stop doing what he's doing. So far its the greatest show ever.
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carter0617
parent of 9 year old
10
 
i love this show there is little bad words like d*m h*ll harsher words are beeped out the only thing i am a afrid of is kids think they came do what he does and kill them selfs
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claribel75
adult
 
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suro
 
Desparately Seeking Attention
Chris and his counterpart David Blaine are easily mockable. Hyper-self-serious, humorless, joyless. Very self-important. Pathetically they follow around thier own street audience to ask again and again, "what did you think of that trick? What do you think of me?" My 13-year old is a "serious" magician, active in magic orgs and practices daily without prompting. He admires both Chris Angel and David Blaine and hope to "be like them." I'm allowing him to watch thier stunts, over and over, hoping that as he matures he will see how immature they both are. Magic is wonderful, but it should bring joy and wonder, not self-centered stunts for attention.
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7th_heaven_fan
 
Cool show!!!
This is a great show. Criss Angel is absolutely amazing, and you can never figure out how he does things. Some illusions he does can be pretty gross like on one where he tore a woman in half, and he also tore himself in half. It's pretty gross. You would think it's fake, but I believe he really can do these impossible things. So give it a try. Criss Angel Mindfreak is the BEST!!!!!
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BluePie
adult
 
It blewme away
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mirokugirl
teen, 16 years old
 
I LOVVVVVVVVVE this show!
Criss Angel is ssssooo awesome! I LOVE him!
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kayleigh75
adult
 
VERY GOOD!!!
Season 1 knocked off my socks Season 2 left me wanting more and Season 3 totally floored me! Absolutley amazing and as to why someone would suggest that it is self centered? There is nothing self centered about the show at all. He is a bit flirty and some parents could find some of his language offensive yet the performances and the whole aura of the show is breathtaking. He really is amazing. The show will be running 6 seasons. And I've never been more excited.
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i_love_mindfreak
teen, 15 years old
 
LOVE THIS
This is the best freakin show in the world I LOVE THIS SHOW you have to watch it!!!!!
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xcoolwhipx
teen, 14 years old
 
AWESOME!!!
I love this show! His tricks are awesome.some are a little scary.
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Darlene010
adult
 
Amazing!
Criss Angel is Amazing! How does he do it.....Secret. Don't believe your eyes! Very interesting stuff, once you start watching it...your hooked.
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Ggurl13
teen, 14 years old
13
 
Mindfreak
Criss iz da best N ppl need 2 hear da soundtrack 8)
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Doxy125
teen, 14 years old
13
 
Best Mindfreaker
I absolutely love this show, Criss is awesome! I would seriously recommend this show to all of my friends... actually I have gotten... like, 3 friends obsessed with this show :D And Criss is a really great illusionist. I cannot figure out how he does his stunts! It's amazing!
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Plague
parent
10
 
Criss Angel Mindfreak
Wonderful show! Criss is a great illusionist, and will most likely leave anyone breathless while preforming his shows. Top notch.
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Moviefan101
teen, 17 years old
13
 
Criss Angel is a mindfreak that will blow your mind
Criss Angel's illusions in this show are mind blowing. Some of his demonstrations are extremely dangerous so don't attempt any of his demostrations because some people do it for the heck of it. One illusion he did was so dangerous I thought he was dead. My three favorite mindfreak moment was the woodchipper, quarter through arm and the steamroller. This show is perfect for people who love to be mystified.
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