Homewrecker
By Elisabeth Chaney,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Anti-makeover reality show is dumb, mean-spirited.
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What's the Story?
Calling itself "the ultimate anti-makeover reality show," HOMEWRECKER is the antithesis of Trading Spaces. The host, Ryan Dunn, visits people whose roommates have played practical jokes on them. Dunn then sets up an intricate prank in the offending roommate's bedroom, who is told in advance that the prank has taken place, and only then sees the damage to his room.
Is It Any Good?
Shows about pranks and practical jokes have become standard TV fare, but this show takes the idea way too far. What sets this show apart from its pranking TV show counterparts is that the revenge is not only embarrassing, but seemingly damaging to the room of the prankee. They do remove the person's possessions, but in one episode they set up a fish store and put dead, smelly fish in the victim's clothes. And that odor won't just go away.
Before this show even begins, a disclaimer appears on the screen describing the pranks on the show as "dumb-ass" and asking the viewing audience not to try the stunts at home. It then goes on to show prank after prank, "some of which you can try at home." So unless you want your salad dressing bottle to explode on your shirt, or your refrigerator door triggering an air horn, you may want to avoid this one.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about revenge. What's the point? Is it worth it? Will it make you feel better? What are better ways to handle embarrassing situations that are caused by another? Also, they could talk about when pranks are harmless and when they cross the line. Is it ever funny to hurt someone?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 30, 2005
- Cast: Ryan Dunn
- Network: MTV
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
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