Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mismatched teammates argue, swear, work together to win.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Kicking & Screaming
What's the Story?
KICKING & SCREAMING is a reality competition starring pampered divas and hard-core survivalists attempting to work together in hopes of winning $500,000. Hosted by New Girl's Hannah Simone, the series features 10 contestants, ranging from a lazy fashion student to a bug-fearing delivery truck driver, brought to a jungle in Fiji to compete in a 28-day survivor challenge. The twist? Ten survivalists from all walks of life also are waiting to compete -- only to discover that each is being partnered with one of the luxury-loving novices. The whole group must find a way to work together to build shelter and find food, but each team must also compete in challenges to stay in the game and win some much-wanted prizes. While the novices struggle, their experienced partners must keep them alive and ready to stick it out so they can claim the cash prize, even if they have to drag them.
Is It Any Good?
This amusing series offers the opportunity to watch people who have absolutely no outdoor experience trying to cope with the ultimate camping adventure. Despite the bad attitudes, some of the novices are motivated by their personal desire to mature, face their fears, and serve as a mentor to others. Others appear less willing to adapt to their surroundings, which leads to some spoiled, childlike behavior. Some survivalists try to be patient and understanding, but others are impatient, patronizing, and judgmental.
Kicking & Screaming offers lots of goofy moments as contestants lug suitcases, run from bugs, and cover their faces with articles of clothing so no one can see their mosquito bites. Some of the survivalists' personalities make for some entertaining scenes, too. However, there's enough over-the-top behavior on both sides to make you wonder if they're playing it up for the cameras. Nonetheless, throughout all the craziness, most of the cast successfully demonstrates how people who are completely different can still work together to reach a common goal.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about survivalist-themed reality shows such as Kicking & Screaming. What makes them appealing to audiences? Is it the remote locations? The personalities of the cast members? The things people do to stay alive?
Have you ever had to work with someone unlike you? How did you bridge the gap to reach a common goal?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 9, 2017
- Cast : Hannah Simone
- Network : Fox
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Communication , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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