Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Celeb guests debate history, swear a lot on funny talk show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Join or Die with Craig Ferguson
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
"Join or die" was Benjamin Franklin's 1754 rallying cry to the divided colonists and the tattoo Craig Ferguson got on his arm after becoming an American citizen. The U.S. newbie exercises his right to speech on his talk show, JOIN OR DIE WITH CRAIG FERGUSON, a half-hour talk show on which the host and three guests culled from entertainment, academia, and business debate various historical people and places to decide which is best (or worst). What was history's worst advice? Who was the cruelest tyrant? Most architecturally significant man-made structure? You may not agree with the decision Craig and company come down to, but it's fun watching them hash it out.
Is It Any Good?
Lively, clever, and accessible, this talk show is a good whole-family viewing choice for those with teens, particularly ones who love to argue. Who's to say what's history's most influential drug, greatest invention, or craziest cult? The show starts with an arbitrary list that gets narrowed down as guests decide which of the items are duds. It's pretty fun stuff and should produce some lively dinner table debates after watching. Ferguson, or his talent booker, also has a keen eye for interesting guests, often bringing in celebs you haven't seen in a while and are glad to hear from: Michael Ian Black, Courteney Cox, and Jack Black. It's not must-see TV, but you'll be happy enough to consume a few episodes at a time with the kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why TV shows debate what's best or most important. Who decides what's important? How can one person decide for someone else what's superior or most important?
Why do talk show hosts, comedians, and others TV personalities curse during their conversations and routines to be humorous? What is the purpose of it? Can people be funny without using strong language?
Why does Ferguson invite celebrities onto the show rather than ordinary people? Is there something special or more interesting about someone's opinion because you've heard of that person?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 18, 2016
- Cast : Craig Ferguson
- Network : History
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : History
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 8, 2025
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