Dog the Bounty Hunter
By Lucy Maher,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Engrossing, gritty reality show has some bite.
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What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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Based on 10 parent reviews
Making a felon a hero is NOT honorable
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too much disrespect
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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
- Premiere date: August 31, 2004
- Cast: Beth Smith , Duane Chapman , Leland Chapman
- Network: A&E
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: October 13, 2022
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