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Parents' Guide to

Face Off

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Special effects competition includes some gruesome faces.

TV Syfy Reality TV 2011
Face Off 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 2 parent reviews

Deanballoonatic
Deanballoonatic Parent of 7 and 15-year-old
April 29, 2013
age 6+

Behind the sceens.

Now I know my kids weren't raised in a normal environment. They lived this show for every Halloween as I've made my family's costumes for almost 30 years now. This program shows how they make the creatures from the movies and tv shows that they're watching anyway. Ask them what type of creature they'd make. Get your kid's creativity flowing. I'm not saying drag your 6 year old to watch it, but it's safe for them to come on in to watch it with you. Not much drama for a reality tv show, in fact the contestants often help each other, while they could be helping their competitor get a better costume then their own; and getting voted off the show themselves. Friendships have been made from past competitors, teamwork, art, and imagination are great points to this show. In fact I'm thinking of applying with my 19 year old. Amateur FX artist father vs. cosmology student son. Just wonder who my other two sons would root for; brother or dad?
treat02
treat02 Parent
February 18, 2012
age 10+

good, for mature people

there is some language, but most very bad things (language) is bleeped out. Some of the faces they make is scary for some, it has scary horror episodes televised. Some kids are uncomfortable with that type of stuff, if you know your child well, and you know that they dont get scared that easy, they may be able to watch most of the series, (some may be inappropriate)
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

FACE OFF centers on the imaginative world of special effects makeup. Hosted by McKenzie Westmore, the series features 12 aspiring special effects artists competing in a variety of challenges that require them to use molds, prosthetics, paint, and other tools to transform models into characters like aliens and horror villains. They reveal their finished work to a renowned panel of judges, including Academy-Award winner Ve Neill, make-up effects artist Glenn Hetrick, and creature designer Patric Tatopoulos. Those who manage to demonstrate good technique and creativity to stay in the game, while those failing to impress are eliminated. The winner of the competition gets $100,000 and a year's supply of professional makeup.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (9 ):

The series offers an interesting look into the work and artistry that goes into the special effects make up that is featured in today's film and television. But the show's focus is really on the competition itself, which often leads to some mild bickering among the contestants and some snarky comments from the judges.

It's not as edgy as other reality competitions, but the challenges featured here are interesting. Those looking for in-depth discussions of make up effect technique and design won't really find it here. But viewers interested in this kind of work will still find it entertaining.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about special effects. Is there a movie or TV show that has special effects that you find particularly impressive? What kinds of things can special effects create? Hide?

  • Does this show exaggerate the personal differences between competitors? How do the show's producers edit and augment the show to make it compelling?

TV Details

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 suggesting a diversity update.

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