Dog the Bounty Hunter

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Engrossing, gritty reality show has some bite.
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

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the star of this reality show is a former convict who now spends his time hunting down fugitives from the law. This means that his work takes him to some seedy spots (including drug-infested neighborhoods) and gives viewers a good look at some hardened, careless criminals. He sometimes threatens to use force, but actual conflicts are rare, and violence isn't a big issue.

  • Enforces the importance of following laws, since the consequences of breaking them won't be pretty. The Chapmans have strong family relationships. Dog is a colorful character who says what he thinks and isn't always PC. The behavior exhibited by suspects is hardly role-model worthy.
  • Chapman sometimes threatens to use force on suspects, and he'll hold down a suspect while he handcuffs him.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

In DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER, Duane "Dog" Chapman and his family risk their lives to capture suspects who've gone on the lam. Chapman is an ex-con himself; after spending time in a Texas prison, he vowed to redeem himself by working with the law to catch fugitives. Joining him are his wife, Beth; son, Leland; "blood brother," Tim; and nephew, Justin. The gang travels to rough communities, dank hotels, and even drug-infested neighborhoods in search of their prey.


Is it any good?

 

Often, the Chapmans find that the person they've been searching for has already been apprehended by the police -- which means they don't get their $5000 bounty. Other times, Chapman, whose weathered exterior and all-black ensembles belie his sensitive side, takes pity on the fugitives he's seeking and agrees to let them go if they turn themselves in the next day.

What's great about Dog the Bounty Hunter is that it allows viewers to see a side of the law that's not often portrayed. When Chapman apprehends a suspect, he's a tough talker, but -- being a former criminal himself -- he's able to speak frankly to those on the lam and help them see the error of their ways. Though the subject matter is gritty, it isn't too violent, and parents don't have to worry about letting their tweens watch.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the consequences of breaking the law. What happens when someone is arrested? How do the courts work? Is prison the best option for punishing criminals? Do you think going to prison can help some people turn their lives around?


This review was written by Lucy Maher
Kid, 12 years old
March 24, 2010
 

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Adult
January 31, 2009
 
old drag queen (what cool?)
I never got what was cool about this old Drag Queen chasing guys around? Obviously, someone with the patholgy of a cross dressor or whatever his thing is, denotes mentality of a street walking trans-sexual; the nature of, so to speak. Nevertheless, I just don't get what is interesting or even cool about an old Drag Queen Bounty Hunter named dog? Of course, dog is most likely the accurate word in the whole show.

Flag as inappropriate 
Parent of 3, 3, 4, 4, 7, and 9 year old
August 16, 2009
 
My Girls Drool Over Leland!
This is a great show. My kids watch it with us. I think that Dog is a good role modle. Everytime the show comes on my oldest daughter drools over Leland. Good show. Teaches that family sticks together.

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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 
WOW
THIS SHOW IS GREAT!!

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
Dog the bounty follows the life of Duane Chapman and Da Kine Bailbonds. It shows us what happens to those who assault and use drugs Talk with your kids afterward sand tell them that that cou;d be you if you go in the wrong direction. Language is a problem, but it is mostly bleeped out.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Great show
What I love most about this show is that Duane Chapman talks to his bounties. He doesn't just handcuff them and throw them around in the back seat of his big black SUV. He sits in the back with them and tries to get at the heart of why they do drugs or commit crimes. Nine out ten times, the fugitive cries by the time Dog says what needs to be said. I also like the fact that it shows older children what life could be like if you did drugs and got into an illegal way of life. It shows the unglamorous reality of drug abuse. I think these guys are great role models and heroes for young men and women who have an interest in law enforcement.

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Parent of 21 and 26 year old
March 13, 2009
 
Biggest Ego Show on TV
This family of misfits is an insult to intelligent people. It's all about hair, clothes, lookin' good for the cameras. I really don't care that some of you feel this show has merit. Dog & company know a good thing when they see it. What a waste of air space. And that people find this show relevant, I can only shake my head.

Flag as inappropriate 
April 9, 2008
 
Good show, but in very small doses
Week after week, hour after hour, can't A & E (and all the stations for that matter) rotate their shows. Would be nice to look forward to watching one instead of "oh no, not that show again!"

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Teen, 14 years old
April 9, 2008
 
(This is the best show ever!!!!!!)
I always love when dog chases people and takes them down!!!!!!It is very good for children!

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Teen, 14 years old
July 18, 2011
 
Just awesome
Dog is just amazing he doesn't use any scripts or nothing the Camara men just follow his family around. You hatred are just jealous that your not that awesome. Yes beth where's tops with lots of cleavage showing but other than that the swearing it bleeped out and they are catching real people these guys could be your neighbor. Dog doesn't only help him self he helps other people catch there fugitives. The family is very close as they all work together

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This review was written by Lucy Maher
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:A&E
Cast:Beth Smith, Duane Chapman, Leland Chapman
Genre:Reality TV

This review was written by Lucy Maher
 

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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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