Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stunt comedian revels in lame jokes, reckless driving.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
In MEGADRIVE, admitted bad driver/comedian Johnny Pemberton gets behind the wheel to test drive some of the most extreme machines on land, air, and sea. Trouble is, he isn't really qualified -- but that doesn't stop him from piloting a stunt plane, a tank, or even a fire-breathing semi. He also talks to the owners of these high-octane machines to find out what makes them tick and how much abuse they can actually take.
Is It Any Good?
There's no question that this sophomoric hybrid of Top Gear, Trick It Out, and Jackass is directly targeting teenage boys, who will probably be the only ones to laugh when Johnny stuffs a squawking, live chicken into the cockpit of a stunt plane and takes it on its first real "flight." But that's nothing compared with what happens later, when he comes out of a series of aerial barrel rolls and then promptly vomits all over himself. There's even some high-flying vandalism when Johnny toilet papers the sky with about eight rolls of tissue before marveling, "It's like the tears of God ... but you can wipe your ass with them."
So if you're tuning into Megadrive, that's the level of humor you should expect. If you expect more, you should look elsewhere.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the element of danger involved with test-driving these extreme machines. Does the threat of violence and/or bodily injury make you want to watch? Why?
Do you think Johnny takes the risks of his job seriously? Does his attitude make what he's doing seem any less dangerous?
How real are the stunts you're seeing? Are the owners of these machines taking on unnecessary risk by allowing Johnny to travel in (or operate) their vehicles? Why would they agree to participate? What's in it for them?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 4, 2010
- Cast : Johnny Pemberton
- Network : MTV
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2022
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