Generation Gap
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Generation Gap
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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 Generation Gap is a game show that features multi-generation families. Challenges focus on popular culture from different eras, and sometimes show images of edgy-looking famous people (sometimes in tight clothing). Adult contestants occasionally offer vague comments that some may find mildly suggestive (and that will fly over the heads of children), and their stories sometimes include narratives about stopping bad things from happening. Potential grand prizes include KIA cars and other brand-named items. But outside of this, there's nothing to be worried about here.
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What's the Story?
Co-executive produced by Jimmy Kimmel, and hosted by Kelly Ripa, GENERATION GAP is a game show featuring kids and their family elders answering questions about each other's generation for a chance to win some cash. Each installment features two teams, each consisting of one preteen or teen, and one family senior, answering rounds of questions. The twist? The seniors are asked questions about things that the juniors would know, and vice versa. When someone answers a question correctly, money is put in the team's bank. But when a player gets it wrong, either player of the opposite generation can choose to answer it for half the amount. The family duo who banks the most cash after a series of rounds gets to keep it, and earns the opportunity for the youngest member of the extended family to choose a special grand prize.
Is It Any Good?
The upbeat family-themed game show, which is a reboot of the 1969 series of the same name, highlights the differences between today's elders and kids when it comes to pop culture. The fun comes from watching contestants struggle over, and incorrectly answer, questions about actors, movie and TV characters, and songs from each other's generation. Kelly Ripa's banter, and appearances by special celebrity guests like Ryan Seacrest and Anderson Cooper, are meant to add to the fray. But the problem with Generation Gap is that it offers little beyond rounds of questions being asked and answered, making the 60-minute episodes feel too long and repetitive. Meanwhile, the majority of the questions require a knowledge of White mainstream popular culture, which makes it harder for players who are not part of that experience to answer questions correctly. But if you can get past these things, it won't be hard to watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about game shows. Why are they so popular? Do you have a favorite? Is there one that your family enjoys watching and playing together?
Generation Gap shows how family elders and juniors experience and enjoy different things thanks to their age differences. But what things do they have in common? How does this help them play the game?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 7, 2022
- Cast: Kelly Ripa
- Network: ABC
- Genre: Game Shows
- Character Strengths: Perseverance, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: July 13, 2022
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