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!
I've seen some episodes of this show and it's not that bad. It has some contestants who are ok role models, and don't go into bragging when they win or whining when the lose, but some contestants can be bad role models, and the host sometimes pokes fun at the contestants about their performance and their chance at winning. But it still an ok show and good for kids 12+ who know not to attempt the stunts on the show. Violence: Stunts of show are dangerous, like jumping off buildings or hanging upside down from a helicopter, and some involve dangerous animals like snakes, spiders, and scorpions. But the contestants doing the stunts have safety equipment to prevent harm coming to them. Sex: Some couples on the show kiss, hug, and ingage in some mild flirting, and some stunts have contestants undress, but nothing graphic is shown. Language: Some mild language like "ass" and "piss" but stronger language is bleeped out. Consumerism: Some episodes have prizes awarded, and prize brands are featured.
I find it almost impossible to believe that this classic game show is one of the few shows that you have given a one-star review. I watched this show plenty when I was young and it never inspired me to go into stupid stunts like you said was SO likely to happen with kids. It was a really entertaining show that almost always had something new and different for the contestants to do. In other words, it was strong on variety. Your stupid loophole means nothing. Parents can reinforce the warning given at the beginning of the show, so don't think your loophole is anywhere close to accurate.
I wouldn't recommend Fear Factor for very small kids. The show contains violent and dangerous stunts (such as cars blowing up, being thrown from helicopters, etc.) and contestants must eat bugs and insects as well. There is no sexual content, but swearing is pretty relevant, although major swear words are barely used.
Fear Factor is really good for those who are at least 9 years old.