 | 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. |
Wipeout
- ABC
- Genre: Game Shows
Common Sense Media says
Obstacle courses are more silly than challenging.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that, as in the Japanese series it's loosely modeled after, much of this reality/game show's entertainment value comes from watching contestants "wipe out" during the competition in embarrassing ways. Expect some mild sexual innuendo and words like "hell" (iffier terms are fully bleeped out), as well as a healthy dose of typical game show greed. Remind kids that while many of the stunts seem silly or harmless, they can cause serious injury if tried at home.
What's the story?
On WIPEOUT, contestants race through a series of grueling obstacle courses for the chance to win $50,000. Each week, 24 thrill-seeking competitors are put to the test as they stumble over towers of mats sitting in mud, try to swing into walls, or triumph over any other hurdle producers put in their way before they qualify for the next round. Those who make it through face even tougher challenges, with the final four facing off in the larger-than-life Wipeout Zone. Whoever makes it through the Zone in the shortest amount of time wins the competition -- and the cash. The whole shebang is a loose adaptation of various contemporary Japanese game shows that focus on the embarrassing, sometimes hair-raising spills that competitors take while attempting to perform feats that seem more like punishments than tests of skill.
Is it any good?
Unlike the seemingly life-threatening/gross stunts featured on shows like Fear Factor, most of Wipeout's challenges are designed to make people look more silly than brave. Adding to this are the comments offered by comedians/hosts John Anderson and John Henson, who -- with the help of Jill Wagner -- poke fun at the contestants' clumsiness and applaud their Herculean efforts. As a result, while viewers may cringe as contestants awkwardly tumble into pools of mud or ricochet off of giant rubber balls, they might also find themselves stifling a laugh or two.
Wipeout highlights the extremes to which some people will go to win money, even if it means getting humiliated in the process. While some viewers may find this sort of thing entertaining to watch, it doesn't send a particularly positive message to kids. If yours do watch, be sure to remind them that no matter how silly some of these stunts look, many of them can cause serious injury if tried at home.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about game shows. Why do you think people compete in crazy, humiliating, or scary challenges? Is it just for the money, or is there something else that motivates them? Do you think any of the challenges go too far?
Are any of your favorite shows
originally from another country? How do you think the American version
differs from the original?Do you think there are shows from other
countries that wouldn't work in the United States, or vice versa? Why?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
March 22, 2011
AGE
Great!
I watch it!
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Kid, 11 years old
July 11, 2010
AGE
Wipeout Rules
I just love WIPEOUT
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AGE
Fine for kids during family viewing
I think this show is ON for 6+ when watched with a parent. Kids find it very funny but you need to consider if the child understands not to try any of the stunts at home and also that in general it is not funny when someone gets hurt. We have let our child watch this show with us and have not had any issues. As mentioned the mention of "big balls" and such go over the childs head because there are actual big balls on the show.
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AGE
I laughed a lot! Ben Henson is so funny
people in this do crazy thing's, for instance, in a new episode, there was a contenstant that was named Didi Wong and she was from Hong Kong, so Ben Henson made up a rymning thing with her that was "Didi Wong from hong Kong" any way, my fav reality show.
I recomend it for 8+
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AGE
Good Show!
Good show to watch and will keep you entertained
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AGE
brrrrrrrrow! WIPEOUT!
the funniest show since MAD. people falling, with weird peanut gallery by henson and anderson. some plain random parts with creepy subtitles.
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Kid, 11 years old
April 18, 2011
AGE
It's a good show, but..............
This is a good game show, but it's pretty violent.
It doesn't really send positive messages either.
The challenges are thought up to mock the contestants.
Occasional bad words may be heard from contestants.
It's good for kids under 8.
It's a good show.
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Kid, 11 years old
June 27, 2011
AGE
great for families and friends.
I LOVE wipeout its the best show ever.
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AGE
I love this show!
I love Wipeout! It always makes me laugh. The contestants are histarical and the obstacles are the best! I recomend this show for anyone ages 8 and up. It's not that they use bad language, it doesn't really send positive messages, but I still think its a funny show to watch!
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | ABC |
| Cast: | Jill Wagner, John Anderson, John Henson |
| Genre: | Game Shows |
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