G4's Proving Ground

Review

Common Sense Media says

Clever movie-themed reality series marred by juvenile humor.
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.

Find out more

Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

Find out more

Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this science reality series takes a juvenile approach to its subject matter with questionable language ("ass," plus bleeped "s--t" and f"--k") and behavior by the hosts throughout. Friends and colleagues frequently engage in a physical play that involves real pain and potential injury (lots of crotch shots). There is some positive content in terms of a creative use of science and a close examination of how movie magic is created, but it's almost completely nullified by the show's tone.

  • Positive messages1
    The hosts demonstrate a natural, positive curiosity about how movies are made and how special effects are executed. Science and creative engineering are depicted extensively as the show's crew attempts to emulate effects that have been shown on the silver screen.
  • Positive role models1
    The crew that works on the special effect reenactments may provide some positive examples of applying science knowledge to unusual problems. The show's hosts are especially poor role models for young people, with their predilection for hitting each other in the crotch and laughing about it hysterically.
  • Violence2
    The tone of the show is built around an appreciation for casual violence inflicted upon friends. This violence is most often directed at the male genitalia. The hosts and crew are constantly hitting each other and then laughing robustly at the reaction to the violence. The objects created for the show's tests of movie special effects are also inevitably used to attack cast and crew.
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
CloseExpand to see more details

What's the story?

At some point, everyone has watched a movie with amazing special effects and wondered, "How did they do that?" G4's PROVING GROUND asks that question about a number of classic films, from Goonies to Star Wars. Each episode focuses on a specific film and enlists scientists and engineers to determine how inexplicable acts were created on the screen. After the effects are recreated, hosts Ryan Dunn and Jessica Chobot enlist crew members to test out the prop, whether it causes injury or not.

Is it any good?

 

G4's Proving Ground is a good example of a show with a great premise but poor execution. While there have been several science reality series on the airwaves in the wake of the successful Mythbusters, Proving Ground finds a unique variation on the genre with its focus on how amazing special effects were done on screen. Even when focusing on a movie with minor practical effects such as Goonies, the way in which it explores the engineering behind the effects is interesting.

If only there were more exploration and less pointless violence. Host Ryan Dunn is best known for his appearances on the MTV series Jackass, and the show's tone and action is peppered with faux-Jackass humor, focusing almost exclusively on cast and crew being hit in the crotch. Countless shots are interrupted by random acts of violence, greeted with howls of laughter from the crew. It detracts significantly from what could otherwise be a great series.

Sign Up Message
Sign up for our weekly newsletter
Each week we send a customized newsletter to our parent and teen subscribers. Parents can customize their settings to receive recommendations and parent tips based on their kids’ ages. Teens receive a version just for them with the latest reviews and top picks for movies, video games, apps, music, books, and more.
Please enter an email address.
Please check your email address for possible typos.
Sorry, you must be 13 or older to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Sign me up!

What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the show's attitude toward violence with friends. Is it okay to physically play around with friends, even if they think it's okay? Why or why not? How do you know when you've gone too far?

  • One of the hosts of this series, Ryan Dunn, died in a drunk-driving accident shortly after this show premiered. Does that have any impact on how you view the show? Why or why not?

This review was written by Matt Springer
Teen, 16 years old
August 21, 2011
AGE
10
 
ass kicking entertainmant
language is an issue but funny show
Was this review useful?
Helped me decide (4) | Had useful details (5) | Read my mind (5)
Flag as inappropriate 
See all user reviews
This review was written by Matt Springer
TV rating:TV-14
Network:G4
Cast:Jessica Chobot, Ryan Dunn
Genre:Reality TV
This review was written by Matt Springer
 

Review It

Share your review with others

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

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

More science reality series
For kids who love science
Browse more TV
 

vote now

Will you see G4's Proving Ground?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 
More from Common Sense Media
Age-appropriate reviews
Top advice and articles

Been There? Tell us about it