Wipeout (ABC)

common sense media says

Obstacle courses are more silly than challenging.

parents & educators say

44% say violence is an issue
33% say language is an issue

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.

Positive 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.

Positive 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 applicable.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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?

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.

TV themes & details

TV Details

TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: ABC
Cast: Jill Wagner, John Anderson, John Henson
Genre: Game Shows
Where to watch: ABC

This review was written by Melissa Camacho

Review It

What parents & educators say

Based on 9 parent & educator reviews:

44% say violence is an issue
33% say language is an issue

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

Miranda ...
kid, 11 years old

Great!

I watch it!

What other families should know

TV Details

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Genre

Wipeout (ABC)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Wipeout

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

TV themes & details

TV Details

Review It

Review Wipeout

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Great!

Wipeout Rules

Fine for kids during family viewing

I laughed a lot! Ben Henson is so funny

brrrrrrrrow! WIPEOUT!

It's a good show, but..............

great show!

Good Show!

I love this show!

BESTEST SHOW EVA

Don't try it at home! :P

great for families and friends.

Very funny!

WIPEOUT ROCKS

Funny for all ages

Hilarious

Great

Wipeout is awesome!!!!!

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