 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Fear Factor
- NBC
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Sensationalism and greed mark stunt-filled reality series.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this reality series is a compilation of gross-out and potentially life-threatening stunts like ingesting habanero peppers, eating animal body parts, and jumping off buildings. The show relies on sensationalism and controversy among its contestants to keep the content edgy, so expect plenty of trash-talking, some of which hones in on the participants' body types ("fat," "skinny and pretty") for ammunition. Greed and ego are big players in the contestants' motivations, which leaves little room for sportsmanship, and the host often stirs animosity by pitting the players against each other. The bottom line? These aren't good models of healthy competitive behavior for kids, and the challenges themselves might inspire some similar stunts from ill-advised viewers.
What's the story?
FEAR FACTOR is a reality series that puts its participants through a series of challenges that test their physical and mental strength. Contestants compete either solo or in pairs, and they face potentially life-threatening and gross-out tests like being covered in bees, lying in a bed of snakes, and swimming in a vat of cow blood. One contestant (or team) is eliminated after each challenge, with the ultimate victor taking home a $50,000 cash prize. Hosted by Joe Rogan, the show originally ran from 2001 to 2006 before leaving the air, only to be revived in 2011 with the same host and a similar format.
Is it any good?
The first thing you'll hear when you tune in to this extreme reality series is Rogan's voice-over warning viewers of the danger factor in what they're about to see and instructing them not to replicate the stunts. That goes without saying for grown-ups who recognize the real-life danger in these stunts, but if you're a kid and someone tells you not to do something, your natural instinct is to do just that, right? In other words, this show could have the opposite effect on kids, inspiring them to try even scaled-down versions of what they see. Couple this curiosity factor with some strong language and generally obnoxious players, and keeping kids away is a no-brainer.
While there is something to be said for witnessing people conquer their fears and emerge stronger from the experience, it's hard to say that that is what Fear Factor is all about. The show values sensationalism over personal achievement, and its contestants are chosen as much for their strong personalities as for their willingness to put themselves through such extreme stunts for the sake of greed. There's no denying that it's entertaining, but quality substance isn't a factor for this show.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about greed. How does our desire for money and possessions drive our actions? What role does it play in our choice of a career or hobbies? Is there an upside to these motivations? If so, what?
Teens: Have you ever faced an "I dare you" situation with your peers? How did you handle it? Where do you draw the line when it comes to challenges? Is it difficult to walk away from confrontation?
Why do you think reality TV appeals to so many people? Is there anything realistic about shows like this one? What other reality series do you watch that seem more relatable to you?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Reality TV entertaining?
Fear Factor is one of the two reality shows I watch, the other being Celebrity Mole. Fear Factor is funny and exciting and has action. It is just fun to watch. I recommend it. Hey it is better than watching mindless drone drabble like The Bachelor.
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AGE
Awful
I can't believe people would let children watch this horrible excuse for a show.
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AGE
Horrible
Why do people do it? They don't even get much $. It's the stupidest show I have ever seen!
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AGE
Disgusting. Contagious. Awful.
For those who like the three words I said, click Yes.
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Kid, 11 years old
December 13, 2011
AGE
Entertaining but Gross!
This was on TV yesterday... we watched it and some was so disgusting we had to change the channel. In one part they made the people swim in blood and raw meat and put it in their mouths. OMG that was disgusting!!!! A great show but if you're weak- hearted then beware!
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AGE
FEAR FACTOR appalling mess of TV
The "television" show FEAR FACTOR is grotesque and mostly barf material. People drink cow milk-3 months old, with some spleen mixed in. And bull testicles and Uhhh, I HATE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
Pure flotsam!
I watched this show, once, and couldn't see it all the way through. I found myself becoming irate not with the "contestants" as much as the producers and networks behind this type of trash. It's no wonder those in Hollywood have an elitist attitude. After all, they can get people to make fools of themselves for money and then get other fools to watch THOSE fools. Just another reason why I hardly ever watch network TV.
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AGE
Hate it!
This show is just plain gross and has no redeeming values what-so-ever. My 8 year old is not allowed to watch, but my friend allows her 6 year old to watch. I guess you should watch it for yourself and decide for your own kids. Personally, I dislike it because it is so gross.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | NBC |
| Cast: | Joe Rogan |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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