 | 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. |
Scare Tactics
- Syfy
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Chilling practical jokes are too mean-spirited.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this hidden-camera show is all about deception. Producers set up elaborate scenarios involving monsters, psychic powers, mysterious experimental drugs, and other quasi-supernatural themes -- all in the name of tricking and terrifying an unsuspecting victim. The situations are often quite clever and are carried off quite well, so it's not surprising that the victims are usually completely fooled. As a result, the big "payoff" is watching someone who's scared out of their wits. Their reactions are genuinely fearful, which can be unpleasant to watch. Bottom line? At its core, the show is mean-spirited.
What's the story?
In the spirit of Punk'd comes SCARE TACTICS, a reality show that goes to great lengths to scare the bejeebers out of unsuspecting victims. (Think Candid Camera with aliens.) Each episode features several unrelated scenarios that usually rely on elaborate sets and many accomplices to fool someone into believing they're in danger -- be it from a strange monster, a mentally unstable teen with dangerous psychic powers, a mysterious alien beast, or some other improbable but terrifying creature.
Is it any good?
The producers do a commendable job of setting the scene and selling it to the victims. Despite the fact that these monsters-in-the-dark seem straight out of the late-late-show's central casting department, the people are usually completely fooled. They tremble, their voices crack, and they're visibly relieved when someone finally tells them they're actually part of a TV show.
But is that good television? Comedian Tracy Morgan, who hosts the show, seems to take great delight in fooling people, as do the victim's friends, who are in on the act. But the people being deceived certainly aren't having fun -- not when they honestly believe they're in danger. And it's hard to say whether it's that much more enjoyable for them after the big reveal. Like many reality shows, Scare Tactics tries to transform pain and discomfort into entertainment for viewers; whether you find it entertaining or not, chances are you'll be glad you aren't on the show yourself.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about if and when practical jokes go too far. Nobody gets injured in this show, but they're often clearly terrified. Is that OK? Does watching someone endure emotional distress make good television? Would you do this to one of your friends? Have you ever played a practical joke on someone? What are your own limits?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Scare Tactics
This is a really funny show. Crude but everyone ends up having a good laugh at the end.
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AGE
Very Funny
This show might be a little scary for kids under the age of nine, but I liked it. It can be kind of funny wathching the victems reactions. Sometimes the jokes can get kind of mean. Sometimes the costumes they use can look kind of fake.
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AGE
not ment for young ages
there is nudity, occult based themes, drug and alcohol use, blood and often violent themes. The only positive message this show gives is that you should not trust people you do not know. other then that this is an all over fun show for people of older ages.
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AGE
Horrible role modal and message!
This show should NOT even be on tv, teaching about how much fun it is to scare people is not right, This show would be blocked if we had the choice!
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AGE
Lame!
Lame!!! You'd have to be a moron to think this is real!
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AGE
Entertaining to Watch But Not for Kids
Scare Tactics is a show where horrifying practical jokes and pranks are played on unsuspecting people. Some of the pranks feature a good amount of violence and blood/gore but it is all fake so there is nothing to worry about. Watching the people's reactions is amusing, and swearing is frequent because they are under a lot of stress and fear. The younger ones might be frightened from Scare Tactics though, so beware. The scenarios, costumes and content might be too intense for them.
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | Syfy |
| Cast: | Tracy Morgan |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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