Parents' Guide to

Candid Camera

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Modern take on classic hidden-camera show is mostly mild.

TV TV Land Reality TV 2014
Candid Camera Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 8+

Based on 1 parent review

mikem1
mikem1 Adult
September 17, 2014
age 8+

whats this?

This show is lame, who comes up with these pranks?
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

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

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