Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stereotypes, dangerous antics mark rural-style Jersey Shore.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
The MTV reality series BUCKWILD features a group of friends from rural West Virginia looking for wild and crazy ways to entertain themselves. The gang, which includes roommates Anna, Katie, and new girl Cara, as well as tomboy Ashley, Southern belle Shae, good-looking Tyler, and adrenaline junkies Shain and Joey, hang out in the Sissonville backwoods having pool parties in the back of a dump truck, riding forklifts like roller coasters, bodysurfing in mud, and enjoying lots of other crazy antics. Joining them when she can is recent college grad Salwa, who likes to party hard when she can get away from her strict parents. Problems with neighbors and relationship woes create some tensions, but overall, these folks are just out to have a good time.
Is It Any Good?
Following in the footsteps of Jersey Shore, Buckwild constructs a stereotypical image of young people from a specific community by characterizing their outrageous (and often inappropriate) behaviors as part of their overall cultural heritage. As a result, despite the fact that many of the cast members are hard workers and/or dedicated college students, it is hard to take any of them seriously after watching them here.
Some viewers may find the endless array of stunts featured here humorous, but you have to wonder if these twentysomethings are acting this way in an attempt to make the show interesting rather than offering a real look into what life is like in the West Virginian countryside. But whatever the reason, the show succeeds at sending a distorted message about the young people who live there.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about reality shows and stereotypes. Why do shows like Jersey Shore and Buckwild rely on stereotypes about the casts' respective communities to make the show more entertaining? Why do you think people agree to be on these shows if it makes them and their community look bad?
How realistic are shows like this? Do you think these folks engage in over-the-top behavior when the cameras are off?
Do you anticipate that these folks will become celebrities like Snooki and Jwoww?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 3, 2013
- Network : MTV
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Adventures
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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