 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Oprah's Big Give
- ABC
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Charity-minded series puts heart in reality TV.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the participants in this reality series compete to improve others' lives with no knowledge of any personal monetary gain. That positive message of giving makes this show a family-friendly choice as reality shows go, but kids may need further explanation about the judging and elimination process and why contestants are sent home after working so hard for charity. Some of the needy folks' stories -- which are full of hardship and challenge -- may affect sensitive viewers. Don't be surprised to see a fair number of corporate donors' logos pop up, either.
What's the story?
OPRAH'S BIG GIVE challenges a group of do-gooders to out-give each other in a series of charitable assignments that benefit an array of people in need. Produced by media mogul Oprah Winfrey, the show starts with 10 hand-selected contestants; each week, a panel of three celebrity judges weighs in on the competitors' dedication, creativity, and fundraising efforts and eliminates one from the running. Unbeknownst to the participants, the eventual winner will claim not only the title of Biggest Giver, but also a $1 million prize of his or her own.
Is it any good?
The good news is that this series puts some heart into the typically selfish, back-biting world of reality TV. The focus here is on helping others, and it's clear from the get-go that the competitors are excited and driven to do what they can to better the lives of those they're assigned to help. And since the monetary prize is kept secret until the series' end, there's no reason to doubt the participants' dedication to the cause.
On the flipside, though, it can be disappointing to watch contestants' best charitable efforts deemed inadequate by the judges, and kids who don't grasp the full nature of the show may be confused by the elimination process. Plus, some of the stories of hardship (losing a loved one, surviving war, and being homeless, for example) may also be difficult for very young or sensitive viewers to understand, so be sure you're ready to answer any questions they have.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how series like this one can inspire change. Are they as much fun to watch as other, more competitive reality shows? Why or why not? Were you touched by the stories you heard from the charity recipients? Did they make you take a look at your own situation and see what you can do to help others? What are the benefits of giving back?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
A great Influence!
This is such a good show, because instead of being greedy to win themselves money, contestants compete to "out give" each other. I is such a good influence for children (and even adults) :)
Was this review useful?
|
|
| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | ABC |
| Cast: | Jamie Oliver, Malaak Compton-Rock, Oprah Winfrey |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
