The Great Debate

Review

Common Sense Media says

Lightweight pop culture arguments are feisty but fun.
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

Not yet rated

Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this pop culture-centric show will probably appeal most to viewers in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. But older teens might want to watch, too. If they do tune in, they'll hear a fair amount of bleeped language and sexual innuendo (including comments like one panelist's crass claim about Ashlee Simpson's attractiveness: "I'd do her with her old nose"). They'll also hear words like "boner" and "badass" and be treated to debates on the finer points of topics like "real boobs vs. fake boobs."

  • Positive messages0
    While the message isn't completely negative, this isn't the place to shop for positive take-aways.
  • Positive role models0
    Because the show thrives on extremes, it's not the best forum for positive role modeling.
  • Violence1
    A few references to celebrity fistfights or other violent behavior, but nothing of serious concern.
  • Sex3
    Some topics prompt heavy sexual innuendo, including "Who's the bigger political cad: Bill Clinton or John Edwards?" and "Who's the hotter Russian tennis star: Anna Kournikova or Maria Sharapova?" Some of the spicier comments include a statement that "needier girls are better in bed"; a reference to the former president "getting the high, hard one" in the Oval Office; and the rhetorical question "Who needs Rogaine when you've got a boner?"
  • Language3
    Strong language like "bulls--t" and "tits" is bleeped, but you'll still hear words like "ass," "crap," "penis," "booty," "sexy," and "crack whore."
  • Consumerism1
    Some debates reference popular books, movies, and TV shows (like The O.C. and Star Wars), as well as celebrity brands, including bands and musicians (like Madonna and the Rolling Stones).
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking2
    Some mentions of things like drinking heavily and doing drugs, but the behaviors aren't actually demonstrated.
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What's the story?

An ever-changing roster of comedians and low-level celebrities (including Hulk Hogan and Wil Wheaton) weigh the merits of competing pop culture references in THE GREAT DEBATE, a series of one-hour specials airing on VH1 that's similar in format to the network's Best Week Ever. The panel specializes in not-so-burning questions like "Who's the hotter Simspon sister: Jessica or Ashlee?" and "The Snuggie: Genius or not?"

Is it any good?

 

While it's true that spirited debates like these won't change the world (can't Alf and E.T. both be awesome aliens?), they can be a lot of fun to watch for adults and older teens -- particularly those born early enough to get some of the kitschier references. It's not the funniest play on pop culture VH1 has to offer, and the boxing match-style announcer is kind of annoying. But if you're craving some easily digestible entertainment, this will do in a pinch.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the show's kid-friendlier topics, including "Kittens vs. Puppies," "Alf vs. E.T.,"
    and "Cabbage Patch Kids vs. Tickle-Me Elmo." Do moms and dads tend to
    agree or disagree with their kids' opinions when it comes to pop culture?

  • Families can also discuss how the celebrities mentioned in these debates measure up when it comes to role modeling. Do we tend to find celebrity news more or less entertaining when it involves a degree of negative behavior? Why?

  • And, for fun, kids and parents can each think of other topics to debate at the dinner table. When you're done talking, you can vote on who picked the liveliest topic.

This review was written by Kari Croop
Teen, 17 years old
July 25, 2009
AGE
13
 
A great show for anybody who likes pop culture
The Greate Debate was an awsome show... i loved it! it really entertained me!
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Helped me decide (2) | Had useful details (2) | Read my mind (2)
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This review was written by Kari Croop
TV rating:TV-14
Network:VH1
Cast:Bobby D. Freeman
Genre:Reality TV
This review was written by Kari Croop
 

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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.
Our child development rating guidelines

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