America's Funniest Home Videos
By Pam Gelman,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
One person's humiliation is another's chuckle.

A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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Community Reviews
Based on 33 parent reviews
Not worth 1 star - Cruel
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Some videos set terrible examples
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What's the Story?
For 15 years, the producers of AMERICA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS have been searching for hilarious videos made by everyday people. Viewers tune in to see home improvement projects turned into slapstick comedy, men doing flips onto and breaking pool tables, the dresses of women flapping in the breeze to reveal their scanty underwear, and every possible way a man can get hit in the groin. It's taped with a studio audience that is frequently shown in the throes of belly laughs, and who then vote on that episode's funniest video. Host Alfonso Ribiero (The Fresh Prince of Bel Air) gives annoying one-liners as he introduces the genre of videos coming up, such as pets, home repairs, holiday antics, challenges at the altar, etc.
Is It Any Good?
Adolescents will no doubt find many of these videos to be humorous, but do you want your kid watching a blindfolded groom tricked into inappropriately touching a grandmotherly guest at his wedding or an overweight woman stuck in a pit with no one helping her to get out? Often the humor is at the expense of children and their innocent, developmentally normal behavior that has yet to be tainted by self-consciousness. This show teaches kids to laugh at others instead of finding their own creative ways to be funny.
Bottom line: Some families may find the show funny, and some won't -- you may want to tune in before you share with your kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about when a joke is funny and when it becomes inappropriate, unethical, or causes humiliation. Do we need to make fun of people to be funny?
TV Details
- Premiere date: November 26, 1989
- Cast: Bob Saget, Jess Harnell, Tom Bergeron, Alfonso Ribeiro
- Networks: ABC, Syndicated
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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