Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Modern take on classic hidden-camera show is mostly mild.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Candid Camera
What's the Story?
The all-new CANDID CAMERA, a modern rendition of the classic hit, is a hidden-camera show that gives audiences a chance to see people's reactions when confronted with the wacky, crazy, or just plain weird. Hosted by Peter Funt, one of the classic series' original hosts, and The Big Bang Theory's Mayim Bialik, it features a variety of staged pranks conducted on unsuspecting people. Running gags include having someone dunk his morning donuts into a stranger's coffee and gluing ID stickers on fresh apples after a patron buys them at a farmer's market. Guests such as Carnie Wilson and Megan Hilty add to the fray. If the victims actually stay until the joke has gone far enough, they're told they've now part of the iconic show.
Is It Any Good?
The updated show offers the same classic humor thanks to some well-timed practical jokes and well-hidden cameras. The folks who are in on the jokes do a great job, too. But what makes the show entertaining is the way it captures the reactions of the people who are unknowingly participating in the running gags.
Though some of the hijinks may push the envelope a bit (such as convincing people that they're inhaling pot when it's really water), the overall show is pretty family-friendly. Similar to the original, it's hard to watch this without occasionally chuckling.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about practical jokes. They're meant to be funny, but when does a prank go too far? Do you think any of the running gags featured here crosses the line? Should stereotypes or potentially offensive or dangerous behavior ever be part of a practical joke?
What would your reaction be if you found out you were on a hidden-camera show? Would you find it funny?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 11, 2014
- Cast : Mayim Bialik , Peter Funt
- Network : TV Land
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2022
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
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate