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My Dad Is Better Than Your Dad (NBC)

common sense media says

Lively family game show is surprisingly positive.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this energetic game show -- in which father-child teams compete for the chance to win $50,000 -- highlights positive messages like teamwork, good sportsmanship, and strong father-child relationships. Kids participate in most of the competitions, though their roles usually require less effort than their parents'. Some of the teams are a little over-competitive, and some challenges require dads to contend with things like snakes and spiders. Bragging is a part of the show, but it's presented in a joking context.

Positive messages: Contestants compete for money, but that's not the focus of the show. Despite the confrontational nature of its title, the series features positive representations of father-child relationships, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. Some teams do occasionally sound a little over-competitive when talking about winning, and the child of the winning father gets to yell "my dad is better than your dad!" to the crowd, but it's meant in good fun.
Violence & scariness: Lots of physically challenging competitions, but no violence, per se. Some of the competitions include braving spiders and snakes.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Parting gifts include X-Boxes and other brand-name prizes. These prizes are mentioned but never actually shown.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on My Dad Is Better Than Your Dad

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what makes a parent "the best." Is it being able to win a game show? Are anyone's parents really "better" than anyone else's? Do you think that's the message the show is really sending? Kids: What do your parents do that's admirable or inspiring? Parents: What makes your kids the best? Families can also discuss game shows in general. Do people compete in crazy (and sometimes scary) challenges just for the money? Or is there another motivation?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In the game show MY DAD IS BETTER THAN YOUR DAD, enthusiastic fathers team up with their tween kids to compete for the title of "Best Dad." Host Dan Cortese presides as father-kid teams try to outscore each other in competitions like the human dartboard, snake bobbing, and quizzes. After each challenge, the lowest-scoring duo must leave the arena. The winning team gets the title, bragging rights, and the chance to play for $50,000.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Even though the father-child teams are playing for money, the show's focus is really on their relationships. It also highlights strong teamwork and good sportsmanship. While some teams occasionally exhibit some overly competitive behavior (like the kid who proudly shares that his father argues with referees at his ball games, for example), all of the kids openly talk about how much they love and admire their fathers -- whether they win or not.

Competing in oddball events for money may not be the most realistic or ideal way for parents to show their love for their children, but watching them do it is definitely lots of fun. My Dad Is Better Than Your Dad is a good bet for kids of all ages who enjoy fun game shows. Some of the challenges are a little creepy (like having to bob for things in a tank full of snakes) and might be a little scary for very young viewers. But the show's energy and positive messages make it a good family viewing choice.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: NBC
Cast: Dan Cortese
Genre: Game Shows
Where to watch: NBC
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

funky400
teen, 14 years old
 
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (3)
Spongebob Fan
kid, 13 years old
5
 
LOVE IT!!!!
Wonderful family show...
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (1)
MikaylaaMadisonn
teen, 16 years old
 
This show is fun to watch! I love seeing the dads and kids working together and trying to with the difficult chalenges! I recomend this show to kids and adults alike!
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pccangel
adult
 
Both my boys want to be on this show with their dad!
My husband and I watched this show together first to be certain we wanted to include it on our family list. Now it's on our TIVO favorites. Excellent teamwork between children and fathers, includes both boys and girls, even those who don't win might get prizes for effort.
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LHAW4U
teen, 14 years old
 
TERRIBLE!
This show is exemplifies what it means to be a "BRAT!", all the children are cocky and openly tease the other contestants. Upon watching this show i saw that the children would often yell at each other and even throw thing at each other! This was so very sad because all of these so called, "challenges" involve physical activity and the ones that they claim test thier "knowledge" could be answered by a four-year old. ONE WORD SUMS IT UP! ~AWFUL~
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gospurs57
adult
 
A game show meant for kids
This game show is like no other one still in existance: it involves kids and their dads working together for a top prize.
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)

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