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Wipeout

(Rated TV-PG, Game shows, Starring Jill Wagner, John Anderson, John Henson, Where to watch: ABC, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Obstacle courses are more silly than challenging.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    While it's all meant in fun, the show does send a message that laughing at others' pain is OK. Be sure to remind kids that the stunts featured here are dangerous when not performed under supervision and using safety gear.
  • Role models:

    Contestants are driven by typical game show greed, competing in grueling challenges for money. They often appear silly rather than strong and/or courageous. Some minor egging on, but no real personal rivalries between contestants. Participants are both male and female and represent various racial/ethnic backgrounds.
  • Violence:

    Contestants ricochet off large balls, get shoved into mud, tumble off of giant trampolines, and more. They're sometimes heard briefly moaning and/or shouting out in pain, but most appear more tired than injured. All contestants wear safety gear; the stunts shouldn't be tried at home.
  • Sex:

    The hosts' comments sometimes include mild sexual innuendo that will go over kids' head. There are continual references to "big balls." Any partial nudity resulting from clothes slipping down during an event is completely blocked out. One contestant wears his underwear outside of his shorts.
  • Language:

    Words like "hell" are occasionally heard. Stronger words, like "ass," are bleeped out, with the speaker's mouth blurred as well.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Wipeout

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.

Did this review help you decide?

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?

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Our Members Say

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See all 15 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 4.0

    great for tweens and up

    I think wipe out is a hilarious game show that everyone should watch

  2. I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 3.0

    It's a harmless show where idiots throw themselves at the mercy of a revolving deathtrap. I prefer it to Funniest Home Show Videos, that show is awful. The thing that keeps the show moving is the commentary, that's pretty funny. They keep on constantly poking fun at the contestants.

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    Good for a laugh

    This show is always good for a good laugh. If the host would stop saying "big balls" (in reference to one of the obstacles) I'd be inclined to watch it more often. All in all it's good silliness.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

    Comical commentary saves this silly show

    The people falling gets old after a little while, but the Michael's commentaries are what keeps this show refreshingly funny. Nothing objectionale.

  5. I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0

    Love this show

    My kids love this show! So do I! It is just hillarious!

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