Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bully-bashing show fights violence with ... violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
In BULLY BEATDOWN, fed-up victims nominate their real-life enemies for the ultimate revenge: going head to head with a professionally trained mixed martial artist in a no-holds-barred cage fight. In case the show's title isn't a dead giveaway, the bully gets a sobering beatdown -- and some serious taunting from host Jason "Mayhem" Miller (who's also a mixed martial artist). But there's also some cash involved: In the first round, the bully is given $5,000 ... but his victim gains $1,000 of it every time the bully has to "tap out" of the fight. In the second round, the bully starts with another $5,000 but loses it all to his victim if he's knocked out or decides to forfeit.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of mixed martial arts action, especially those who know what it's like to be picked on by a bully, will dig this trumped-up revenge scenario that puts up to $10,000 cash in the pockets of the bully's victim. Others might be midly entertained at best.
But the show is at its most satisfying when the bully and victim can actually resolve their differences outside the ring, as in the episode in which a victim and his battered and bruised bully -- who just so happens to be his much bigger younger brother -- ultimately embraced and said "I love you." The reconciliation not only seemed genuine, but it also gave this reality-based game show a much-needed dose of humanity.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about bullying and whether it's a problem they can relate to at home or at school. Teens: Do you know anyone that you'd classify as a bully? Have they ever hurt you or someone you know -- either physically or emotionally? Why do you think they act the way they do?
Do you think a show like this one could actually change a bully's behavior in the long term? Or is it merely exploiting both the bully and the victim?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 22, 2009
- Cast : Hans Olsen , Jason Miller , John Mccarthy
- Network : MTV
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2022
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