Parents' Guide to

Fear Factor

By Joyce Slaton, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Retread of the gross-out reality competition is a bit tamer.

TV MTV Reality TV 2017
Fear Factor Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 17+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Susan J.
Susan J. Parent of 18-year-old
January 28, 2023
age 18+

Fear Factor

I don't like Fear Factor. It is very appalling. There is swearing, nudity, people making bad comments about others, the MC guy is not very nice to the contestants. The contestants have a bad ego and feel they can complete the task and often fail. It is not family friendly at all. The money is not worth when morals are at stake. There is none. If the contestants have to eat the food, so should the producers. I doubt they have. Think how you are negatively affecting society. No wonder the world is the way it is. There is no appropriate age.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Lowe's man
Lowe's man Adult
December 30, 2017
age 15+
This show may be a bit tamer than its predecessor, but that doesn't make the show right.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Like the original FEAR FACTOR, this hour-long show features contestants who compete to successfully finish a series of stunts that are dangerous and/or disgusting: disassembling a cage they're trapped in underwater, getting sealed in a body bag inside a morgue drawer, lying in a bed full of roaches and worms. Each team of two must compete in three rounds of challenges, with the worst performing team culled during each round. The last team standing wins $50,000. Host Ludacris takes over for old host Joe Rogan.

Is It Any Good?

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

In an age when YouTube challenges are all the rage, this remake has a bit more relevance and appeal for teen and tweens than the original. And though Fear Factor can't boast much in the way of educational content or positive social-emotional lessons (despite a lot of blather about contestants bravely facing their fears), it could be worse. Whereas the 2001-2006 Fear Factor was famous for asking contestants to guzzle down donkey sperm, jump off buildings, or eat the eyeballs and/or testicles of many animal varieties, the newly refurbished stunts are designed to target the fears of younger viewers -- so expect to see challenges involving Slenderman, smart phones, or stunts inspired by Five Nights at Freddy's.

Even though viewers are warned throughout the show not to try stunts at home, parents may wish to make sure that younger kids don't get a chance to watch, as they may be tempted to try some dangerous things. Teens and tweens, though, could do worse for mindless entertainment -- though this show is ridiculous, at least it's not degrading or cruel.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why reality TV appeals to so many people. Is there anything realistic about shows like Fear Factor? What other reality series do you watch that seem more relatable to you?

  • Teens: Have you ever faced an "I dare you" situation with your peers? How did you handle it? Where do you draw the line when it comes to challenges? Is it difficult to walk away from confrontation?

  • Why is it interesting to watch people do things they find scary or disgusting? Is it more fun to watch or to do things like the contestants are trying? Why is watching discomfort from a comfortable location popular entertainment?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: May 30, 2017
  • Cast: Ludacris
  • Network: MTV
  • Genre: Reality TV
  • TV rating: TV-14
  • Last updated: December 16, 2022

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