See more TV reviews

The Dudesons (Spike)

common sense media says

Stunts with real consequences; NOT for kids.

parents & educators say
See all 3 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this imported reality show is a non-stop succession of extremely violent acts performed as entertainment. Imitating them could potentially lead to serious injury and/or death. As a result, this series is not recommended for tweens or young teens, and parents should exercise caution when allowing older teens to watch, too. Parents should also know that the show includes moments of brief nudity and sexualizes women. The only up side is the series' positive representation of close (albeit rather destructive) friendship.

Positive messages: Characters engage in extremeley violent, irresponsible stunts that kids should not re-create at home. Some of the pranks they perform on each other result in serious pain. But the show also highlights the group's close friendship and how much they care about each other.
Violence: Violence is real, and cast members are often severely injured. Injuries include bleeding, severe pain, and unconsciousness.
Sex: Occasional partial nudity, plus women in revealing clothing.
Language: Occasional profanity spoken in Finnish. Strong swear words are bleeped out.
Consumerism: Episodes feature some rock bands and guests from other TV shows, including Bam Margera.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Occasional drinking and smoking by adults.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Dudesons

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what kinds of behavior should never be imitated and why. What are the consequences of participating in dangerous stunts and cruel practical jokes? What boundaries should you establish when playing pranks on others? What's the difference between playing a funny practical joke and being cruel?

What's the story?

What's the story?
The inspiration for MTV's Jackass and a close cousin to Viva La Bam, THE DUDESONS is a Finnish reality show that follows four high-spirited guys who find both humor and satisfaction in being able to survive death-defying stunts and wild pranks. Friends since childhood, Jarppi, Jukka, Jarno, and HP have achieved international stardom by performing and documenting their elaborate exploits -- such as jumping cars blindfolded, rolling down cliffs in metal trash dumpsters, and lighting indoor bonfires (in that case, they ended up burning down their own home). Their motivation seems to be the humor they find in their stunts, as well as a sense of satisfaction from being able to stay alive until the next act of destruction.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The Dudesons is an odd combination of truly violent acts and examples of close friendship. Yes, the men spend a lot of time playing pranks on each other, ranging from the silly to the outright brutal (in one scene, the group laughingly wakes up Jukka up by slamming his genitalia with a baseball bat). But in spite of the guys' apparent hostility, their pranks aren't mean-spirited; their stupidity is their unique way of bonding.

Unfortunately, the genuine affection the men have for each other and their pet pig, Britney, makes it frighteningly possible to overlook the socially irresponsible nature of what they do. Watching The Dudesons could have dire consequences for those who see the show before they're mature enough to understand that they shouldn't imitate it. As a result, even though the Finnish quartet is lovable and comical, it's impossible to consider their show appropriate for family viewing.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-MA
Network: Spike
Cast: HP Parviainen, Jarno Leppala, Jukka Hilden
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: Spike
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

Review It

 

Review The Dudesons

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

yugiohsux
teen, 17 years old
 
must be mature, and have the right sense of humor
The dudesons are hilarious to me, yet the show gives a precaution of "do not try this at home" but that will probably get the kids to do it more. I watch them for entertainment. NOT for examples of what I should try out. Think about letting your kid watch it before you do or don't. (Jackass: the movie got millions of kids to do the shopping cart thing and most of which died) so think... that's all you have to do.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
Mi3
adult
15
 
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
Plague
parent
14
 
The Dudesons
A violent hilarious show that I love just as much as Jackass. The guys in this show do extremely dangerous stunts that no one should ever try unless you have true stuntman qualifications.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see The Dudesons?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more TV
About our rating system
ON: Content is 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
Our child development rating guidelines