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Howie Do It

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Howie Mandel, Where to watch: NBC)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Don't let kids copy not-so-nice hidden-camera pranks.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The show revolves around playing tricks on people, often intentionally putting them in uncomfortable situations for laughs.
  • Role models:

    Howie and his crew seem to delight in the iffy positions they put their "victims" in. It's all meant to be funny, but it still feels mean-spirited sometimes.
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Lots of innuendo hinting at sexual topics like masturbation, foreplay, and intercourse. In one scene, a man says to a woman, "You have really nice legs. What time do they open?" In another, a man (wearing a shirt that says "Damn right I'm good in bed") watches as his girlfriend and another guy make out in bed. Porn is also mentioned.
  • Language:

    Occasional use of "bitch," "hell," and "damn." Multiple instances of "f--k" are edited.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some mention of cigarettes, and social scenes sometimes include alcohol.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Howie Do It

Parents need to know that this prank show gets laughs from putting unsuspecting people in uncomfortable situations. While many of the gags are harmless (a waiter who can't keep his fingers out of people's food, for instance), some are designed to rile their victims, who respond with anger, strong language ("damn" and "hell" are audible, while "f--k" is edited), and obvious discomfort. Dialogue often has sexual undertones -- referencing topics like masturbation and intercourse with a stranger -- and some scenes show couples kissing and fondling. In other words, this isn't a show for young kids or tweens -- but teens might get some laughs (albeit at the participants' expense).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the difference between jokes and mean-spirited pranks. What are the effects of jokes set up at others' expense?
  • Have you ever been the victim of a prank? How did it make you feel? Does it change your impression of a joke if the victim isn't a good sport about it? When does teasing cross the line to bullying?
  • How has the Internet changed the nature of bullying? Do you know anyone who's been cyberbullied? Parents: Talk to your kids about Internet safety and your rules regarding sharing personal information on the Web.

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Howie Do It?
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See all 8 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    ha-ha-ha-larious

    i love howie - i think hes super funny and this show is amazing. im sad its not on anymore. some things are bad sexually but nothing HORRIBLE that older kids cant handle

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    It is funny. It should be revived.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message

    Now-canceled show is not that funny

    Most of these pranks on this now-canceled show were stupid, but not all of them were inappropriate. However, quite a few of the pranks were inappropriate for younger kids. For example: one prank involved a pole-dancing video with elderly ladies, another involved a gangster cooking show called "Eat That B*****s", and one recurring inappropriate prank was "Desperate Housewives"-lite (the one MovieBuffman talked about). If you're looking for a family-friendly hidden camera show, skip "Howie" and try "Just for Laughs" on ABC.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Negative role models

    Pretty edgy, but good to see on Friday night, in my opinion.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 3.0

    Very Funny

    Some of the jokes inapropriate but very funny. I do like to watch it!

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