Dog the Bounty Hunter

TV review by Lucy Maher, Common Sense Media
Dog the Bounty Hunter Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Engrossing, gritty reality show has some bite.

A&E Reality TV 2004
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Parents say

age 14+

Based on 15 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 11 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that the star of this reality show is a former convict who now spends his time hunting down fugitives from the law. This means that his work takes him to some seedy spots (including drug-infested neighborhoods) and gives viewers a good look at some hardened, careless criminals. He sometimes threatens to use force, but actual conflicts are rare, and violence isn't a big issue.

Community Reviews

OnyxTiger
OnyxTiger Adult
July 29, 2019
age 18+

Making a felon a hero is NOT honorable

A convicted felon as a hero? One who was convicted of 1st degree murder. That's just wrong on so many levels. How low have the morals and mores of this country fallen? I watched it for a couple of seasons in the beginning, but found myself in disagreement with him virtually every time. First, a holier-than-thou attitude. This, from a convicted felon. I can't abide a murderer as any kind of hero and I do not understand how people can admire him. But these are probably the same ones that admire Jeffrey Dahmer and others like him. I would not subject my children to any exposure to that cretin. And I would NEVER let my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren alone in a room with him. Why not a reality show about TRUE heroes, men and women in the US military. First Responders are already honored and that's GREAT!!! But a felon? Give me a break!

This title has:

Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
tyiaguillory85
tyiaguillory85 Adult
November 28, 2014
age 14+

too much disrespect

I watch this show almost everyday, I like the work the family is doing, but the only thing that gets to me is how disrespectful the couple is! Beth and dog needs to know that, it's the work that's going to make what your doing successful and not the disrespect that they use against human beings! Remember you weren't always in a good place so never look down on others! Also it takes respect to get respect!!!!

This title has:

Great messages
Too much swearing
See all 15 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER, Duane \"Dog\" Chapman and his family risk their lives to capture suspects who've gone on the lam. Chapman is an ex-con himself; after spending time in a Texas prison, he vowed to redeem himself by working with the law to catch fugitives. Joining him are his wife, Beth; son, Leland; \"blood brother,\" Tim; and nephew, Justin. The gang travels to rough communities, dank hotels, and even drug-infested neighborhoods in search of their prey.

Is It Any Good?

Often, the Chapmans find that the person they've been searching for has already been apprehended by the police -- which means they don't get their $5000 bounty. Other times, Chapman, whose weathered exterior and all-black ensembles belie his sensitive side, takes pity on the fugitives he's seeking and agrees to let them go if they turn themselves in the next day.

What's great about Dog the Bounty Hunter is that it allows viewers to see a side of the law that's not often portrayed. When Chapman apprehends a suspect, he's a tough talker, but -- being a former criminal himself -- he's able to speak frankly to those on the lam and help them see the error of their ways. Though the subject matter is gritty, it isn't too violent, and parents don't have to worry about letting their tweens watch.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the consequences of breaking the law. What happens when someone is arrested? How do the courts work? Is prison the best option for punishing criminals? Do you think going to prison can help some people turn their lives around?

TV Details

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