Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Over-the-top series features crass, dangerous behavior.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
HALF PINT BRAWLERS follows the antics of a controversial group of little person pro wrestlers as they travel across the country performing as the Midget Wrestling Tour. The troupe is headed up by Steve Richardson (a.k.a. Puppet the Psycho Dwarf), who -- along with veteran wrestler Chris "Kato" Dube, his brother Bob "Bobby" Tovey, and Mikeal "Mad Maxx" Santoyo -- entertain crowds with wrestling moves and crude stunts, both inside and out of the ring. Rookie Jacob "Turtle" Colyer and the group's average-sized announcer, Spyder, also add to the fray. Together the men wrestle in lubricant, perform strip teases in cuddly bear suits, and slide down stripper poles naked in an effort to entertain their fans ... as well as themselves.
Is It Any Good?
Half Pint Brawlers is more about the cast's wild activities than it is about pro wrestling. As a result, the group often looks and acts more like a circus sideshow than wrestling professionals. But unlike shows such as Jackass and The Dudesons, the cast of this show sees the silly, violent, and dangerous stunts they perform as a way to empower themselves while having fun in a world that fails to really accept them for who they are.
Unfortunately, the endless crude, violent, and perilous stunts featured in the show overshadow any potentially positive messages about self-acceptance. The strong language and over-the-top sexual content don't help either. Some folks may find Half Pint Brawlers voyeuristically entertaining, but it definitely isn't for everyone.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the show's messages. Is it promoting empowerment? Or is it more about over-the-top entertainment?
The troupe prefers the term "midget" over "little people," despite the fact that "midget" is no longer considered politically correct. Why do you think that changed? What different meanings have people given these two terms?
Does the show reinforce or undermine stereotypes?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 2, 2010
- Cast : Bob Tovey , Chris Dube , Steve Richardson
- Network : Spike
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : November 2, 2022
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