Money from Strangers
Common Sense says
- MTV
- Reality TV
- 2012
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Money from Strangers is a hidden camera series in which random folks play pranks on unsuspecting people in exchange for a cash prize. It's funny, but some of the pranks include calling unsuspecting people rude names (like "bitch") and wasting food and other items that cost businesses money. Victims sometimes react angrily to what's happening to them, even though the show's focus is more on the prankster than on the victim, as in some other hidden-camera shows.
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What's the story?
MONEY FROM STRANGERS is a hidden-camera show in which random folks play pranks on unsuspecting victims for cash. After host Jeff Dye convinces a stranger to participate in his scheme, he hooks them up with a secret ear piece through which he, along with a rotating panel of his comedic friends, can instruct the person to do things while they watch from a hidden-camera feed. Each round of impromptu tricks, which range from being funny to acting completely bizarre, is worth a fixed amount of cash that the stranger will win if he or she completes the prank without laughing or blowing their cover. As the rounds get harder, the amount of cash increases. If the contestant does everything successfully, he or she will win a total of $1,000.
Is it any good?
From asking strangers for bites of their half-eaten sandwiches to pressing up against the cement walls of a restaurant to "keep the building from falling," this mischievous series shows how far people are willing to go for a cash prize. Most of the humor revolves around how well they're able to pull these tricks off, rather than on the victims' reaction.
It's not mean spirited, but some pranks include calling people rude names or wasting food and other resources that cost businesses real money. Some of the pranks, and the awkward or angry reactions to them, might even make you squirm. But folks mature enough to handle it will probably find themselves chuckling at what they see here.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about playing pranks on people. It can be funny, but what are the consequences of this behavior? Is it to make people laugh? To embarrass people? To make a point?
When does playing a trick on someone go too far? What kinds of messages do shows like Money from Strangers send to viewers about acceptable ways of tricking people?
Why do people agree to play these pranks? Is it just for the money? What would you do and not do for money? Besides money, what do the contestants stand to gain or lose by appearing on this show?
TV details
- Premiere date: April 30, 2012
- Cast: Jeff Dye
- Network: MTV
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: NR
- Available on: Streaming
- Last updated: September 30, 2020
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