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Parents' Guide to

Mental Samurai

By Polly Conway, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Goofy family-friendly game show tests minds and bodies.

TV Fox Game Shows 2019
Mental Samurai 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 2+

Based on 1 parent review

rjantz
rjantz Adult
September 4, 2021
age 2+

Show is great but no viewer participation

The show is fun and great format BUT the camera NEVER stays on a puzzle long enough for any viewer participation! Where is the fun in that?
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Hosted by Rob Lowe, MENTAL SAMURAI is a game show designed to test people's mental agility while they're being pushed physically. Contestants are each given five minutes to answer 12 questions that involve solving puzzles, memorization, sequencing information, and knowing trivia. They must answer each one in-between being whipped around 360 degrees at high speeds in a capsule attached to a mechanical arm named "Eva." Those who answer one question wrong or who run out of time are eliminated. Those who succeed make it into the Circle of the Samurai, where they get a chance to compete for $100,000.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (2 ):

This lively game show features players trying to answer different types of questions while coping with the centripetal forces of an amusement park-like ride. The number of contestants who play in a given episode are many, thanks to the short game time and lack of room for error. Their expressions while they are rotated around at rapid speeds show that a ride in Eva is no joke. While the backstories of some of these folks can be emotional, especially for a goofy game show, Mental Samurai is an overall positive and family-friendly show.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the reasons people participate in game shows like Mental Samurai. Is it the challenges they pose? The chance to win cash and prizes? Just to have fun?

  • Why do you think this show is called Mental Samurai?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: March 19, 2019
  • Cast: Rob Lowe
  • Network: Fox
  • Genre: Game Shows
  • TV rating: TV-G
  • Last updated: October 13, 2022

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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