Parents' Guide to

Mabe in America

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Hidden-camera show punishes irritating behavior.

TV CMT Reality TV 2008
Mabe in America Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

Truthfulness
Truthfulness Adult
October 12, 2021
age 18+

Tom Made

Tom Mabe is fake. Wants followers and supporters for his Bogus Pranks. If you confront him, he will block you. He will throw you under the Bus and Run you over a few times. And he has a Big Knife that he likes to stab you in the back and TWIST a few times. He has done it to he and I called him out, and yes. Block in every way. Do not Support this POS and his halfass comedy. He thinks he is all that and then some. He's the type of person that cares about your DONATIONS. His talk is cheap and if you don't believe me, call him out on something.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

MABE IN AMERICA is a hidden-camera show designed to poke fun at some of life's most annoying moments -- and create trouble for those who are causing them. The series stars comedian Tom Mabe; with the help of \"partners-in-crime\" Jim Clark and Ron Reimer, he stages outlandish moments intended to prove a point to people who talk too loud on their cell phones, ignore \"no trespassing\" signs, and engage in other irritating behavior. Some of these pranks are also designed to offer commentary about some of America's social issues, including how the medical establishment deals with the uninsured, the federal government's efforts to curb immigration, and America's lack of patriotism.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

While the practical jokes are generally harmless, some of them are clearly intended to embarrass people in order to make their point. In some cases, the pranks (like posing as an ambulance driver who leaves a patient at a gardening store in order to transport fertilizer to his house) seem so over-the-top that it's hard to believe people actually fall for them. But what motivates these far-fetched moments are relatively thoughtful observations about some of this country's social ironies. Mabe also comments on these issues when he introduces each pre-recorded scenario to his studio audience. And as an extra, he airs some of his trademark stunts that specifically target telemarketers.

Mabe in America will generate laughs, but some of the humor isn't intended for young viewers. Some of the tricks feature iffy behavior like forcing people to strip down to their underwear (under the pretense that they've been contaminated by a radioactive fishing pond) and pretending to steal cars. The animated shorts featured after each commercial break contain some crude humor, and while the language is mild, some of the subject matter is a little strong for tweens. Overall, though, Mabe in America offers some funny moments for those mature enough to understand their underlying messages.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the difference between harmless pranks and playing jokes on people that can potentially have very serious consequences. When do pranks cross the line from being funny to being inappropriate or even harmful? Are hidden-camera TV shows ethical? What does it feel like to be the "victim" of a practical joke? Should a prank be used to embarrass someone, even if it's intended to make a point? Families can also discuss using comedy as a way of providing social commentary. Do you think humor is a good way of shedding light on serious issues, or should comedy shows only be created for entertainment?

TV Details

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