Parents' Guide to

Crash Course

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Witty banter makes light of too-dangerous driving stunts.

TV ABC Game Shows 2009
Crash Course Poster Image

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

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What's the Story?

In CRASH COURSE, everyday people drive through a variety of automotive obstacle courses for the chance to win $50,000. In each episode, hosts Orlando Jones and Dan Cortese contribute funny quips as they watch five pairs -- married couples, single mothers, best friends, siblings, etc. -- attempt to successfully do things like drive onto moving platform trucks, purposely flip their cars, and other gravity-defying stunts. Cameras inside each car record the teams' reactions as they crash through each event. After elimination events, the two teams left standing compete against each other for the grand prize in the ultimate crash course.

Is It Any Good?

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

The series doesn't have much to offer outside of the extreme-driving events, which combine the speed of racing with the explosiveness of a demolition derby. Loud crashing noises and screams from the competitors (usually when they're helplessly veering into poles and/or camera crews) add to the chaos/entertainment. Viewers may not be able to suppress a chuckle at Jones and Cortese's humorous banter, either, as they offer their candid opinions about each team's idiosyncrasies.

Crash Course definitely isn't for everyone, but if you like obstacle course-oriented game shows and/or find cars flying through the air (and landing in a variety of positions) exciting, this series won't disappoint. Still, be sure to remind car-loving viewers of all ages that no matter how much fun it looks like on television, these stunts are extremely dangerous and should never be attempted at home.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about might motivate people to participate in a game show that could be potentially dangerous. Is it just for the money, or do you think there could be other reasons?

  • Would you consider participating in a reality competition show? Why or why not? If you did, who would you pair up with?

  • What's the appeal and the excitement of extreme sports? Do audiences get into it because of the competitors' daring or because there's always a chance that someone could get hurt? Does the element of risk make competitions more exciting?

TV Details

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