Common Sense Media Review
By Ashley Moulton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Guess mystery celebs' identities on funny game show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a disappointing imitation of a popular format, often described as cringy and filled with poor-quality jokes and editing. While some viewers find it enjoyable for family entertainment, many reviewers recommend staying away due to its lackluster celebrity guests and over-reliance on memes and scripted humor.
- undesired imitation
- bland humor
- poor editing
- low-quality jokes
- family-friendly fun
- disappointing execution
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In NICKELODEON'S UNFILTERED, host Jay Pharoah (Saturday Night Live) helps kid actor contestants guess the identity of a mystery celebrity. Each episode features two celebrities that are concealed by a Snapchat-style filter and voice altering software. Contestants Darci Lynne Farmer (America's Got Talent), Lex Lumpkin (All That), and Gabrielle Nevaeh Green (All That) ask the celebrity questions so they can guess who is behind the filter. Additional social media-style segments give extra clues, like "Clickbait," which features a Buzzfeed-style headline about the celebrity, or "Status Check," which shows a TikTok-esque social media post from the celebrity. At the end of the questioning, the video filter is removed and the celebrity's identity is revealed.
Is It Any Good?
Kids into pop culture will love this silly game show. Host Jay Pharoah is hilarious with his rapid-fire pop culture references, the kid contestants are likable, and the celebrity guests are great sports. Nickelodeon's Unfiltered was conceived and originally produced during the COVID-19 pandemic, so all actors are shot in front of a green screen and recorded remotely. The show has fun with this limitation: A ton of '90s internet-inspired graphics pop up throughout. It feels very current for Gen Z in the time of the pandemic (one graphic reads "2020 is canceled"). There is copious use of Snapchat-style video filters, and segments are presented in meme-worthy ways. It's fun and funny, and a clever way to make fresh content while Hollywood's production has ground to a halt.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it's fun to play guessing games, even when you're grown up. What other shows besides Unfiltered involve guessing?
Do you think you could re-create this game with your friends? Could one friend pretend to be a mystery celebrity and answer questions like the celebrities do?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 18, 2020
- Cast : Jay Pharoah , Lex Lumpkin , Darci Lynne Farmer , Gabrielle Nevaeh Green
- Networks : Nickelodeon , YouTube
- Genre : Game Shows
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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