Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Movie-inspired game show has friendships, bleeped cursing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Buddy Games
What's the Story?
A TV game show adaptation of the movie of the same name that pits six teams of four buddies competing for cash and bragging rights. Hosted by franchise creator Josh Duhamel, each team must compete against the others in silly outdoor mental and physical competitions, sometimes with the help of sabotage. When they're not outside playing the games, they hang out in the "lake house" where the buddies get to hang out in their own set of rooms and have a good time with the others. At the end of each episode, the two lowest-scoring teams must face off, and the team that loses must send one of their buddies home. The team that hangs on until the end wins $200K and a trophy.
Is It Any Good?
The unscripted series, which feels like a wild summer camp adventure for adults, features groups of tight-knit friends working together to win money while enjoying their camaraderie. The giant lake house, complete with bunk beds and other cabin-like furniture, is the social center of the operation, but the competitions, regardless of how silly they are, aren't taken lightly, in part because no team wants to send one of their friends home. Granted, Buddy Games doesn't offer anything but mindless entertainment, but it's nice to see good friends enjoying each other's company.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the challenges of adapting a movie concept into a TV reality competition series. What are the reasons for doing it?
Did you know that the TV version of Buddy Games was filmed in Bogotá, Colombia? Why does the lake house and overall set design make it look like it's taking place in the United States?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 16, 2023
- Cast : Josh Duhamel
- Network : CBS
- Genre : Game Shows
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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