Common Sense Media Review
Inane half-hour is iffy, even for 'Net addicts.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In OUTRAGEOUS AND CONTAGIOUS: VIRAL VIDEOS, viewers get a half-hour dose of the Internet's zaniest film clips. Riding the popular pass-along-this-crazy-video-I-found-online trend, the show's producers pluck these clips from all over cyberspace; content can vary widely. Each episode features a "Vid of the Week," as well as videos of ordinary folks doing silly tricks and vignettes skewering pop culture icon and politicians. In one episode, for example, viewers were treated to a video of a simulated Hillary Clinton lounge-singing her way to the Oval Office, a teenager contorting his face into obscene positions, and a group of men ironing in outdoor locations like rivers and valleys.
Is It Any Good?
Outrageous and Contagious: Viral Videos often fails in its bid to be funny. Instead, it comes across as both offensive and tired. Parents might want to watch an episode or two before letting kids tune in; in general, if your kids aren't old enough to use the Internet unsupervised, they're probably not old enough to watch this show.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Internet. How has it changed our lives? What's good about it, and what's bad? Has it influenced pop culture for the better or worse? What about programs like these? Are they exploitive, or is it all in the name of a good laugh? Families can also talk about the nature of the content featured on the show. What makes video clips like these so appealing? Where do people find them? Would teens consider making and posting one of their own? How would they go about it?
TV Details
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