Parents' Guide to Million Dollar Mind Game

TV ABC Game Shows 2011
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Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 10+

Mild game show focused on logic isn't designed for kids.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 10+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

In MILLION DOLLAR MIND GAME, six contestants compete against viewers by trying to answer questions that require the use of logical thinking. Host Vernon Kay asks the team a question that they get 60 minutes to figure out before the team captain delivers the answer. Each team has one chance to request extra discussion time, swap the question, or change the captain's answer after their time is up. If they work through the electronic roulette wheel of questions successfully, their winnings will increase from $6,000 all the way to $1 million. But if they find themselves going fully around a wheel of failed answers, they leave with nothing.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

The show, which is loosely based on a popular Russian game show, attempts to reflect a sophisticated Monte Carlo casino-like elegance that's reminiscent of James Bond movies by dressing competitors and onlookers in tuxedos and evening gowns and by seating competitors around something that resembles a modern gambling table. Meanwhile, the questions steer away from trivia and require both common sense and strong problem-solving skills.

It has some slow moments, but the questions (and their answers) are very interesting. Sometimes the group dynamics between the contestants are entertaining, too. For folks who like game shows that make you think, this one will definitely fit the bill.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the difference between logic and intellect. Can someone be logical without having a formal education?

  • What are some of the stereotypes surrounding people who are logical and/or intellectual? How do TV shows and movies portray characters who possess these qualities?

TV Details

  • Premiere date : October 23, 2011
  • Cast : Vernon Kay
  • Network : ABC
  • Genre : Game Shows
  • TV rating : TV-PG
  • Last updated : November 11, 2020

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