Common Sense Media Review
By Kate Pavao
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Insipid reality show demeans everyone involved.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
MTV's reality show DAMAGE CONTROL invites parents to set up their kids in many a compromising situation. While the kids are put to the test, the parents are asked to predict the kids' reaction. If their predictions are correct, they win cash. If their kids confess at the end, they win more cash.
Is It Any Good?
In the inaugural episode, Anthony's parents are hiding in the neighbor's basement, while their son -- who looks like he's in his early to mid-20s -- deals with bizarre situations, such as a sex package delivered to his mom, a crazy security salesperson who wants Anthony to act out scenarios with him, and, in a surreal twist, a visit from Jackass actor Wee-Man who invites him to participate in a stunt for an allegedly new reality show. Along the way, the host (Simple Plan's Pierre Bouvier) asks his parents probing questions: Will Anthony open his mom's box from sex toy company? (The answer: No, but his friends will). Will he let the sex toy salespeople put on a lingerie show? (Yes, of course). Will he act put on a diaper and act like a baby for the sake of Wee-Man's reality show? (Oh yeah).
Bottom line: There is nothing fun or redeemable about this show; the pranks are humiliating to watch. Damage Control is just more reality television gone out of control.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why parents would participate in such a show. Are any of the people involved likable? Why are shows like this popular? Do you think they will continue to be?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 6, 2005
- Network : MTV
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 19, 2019
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