Parents' Guide to

Oprah's Big Give

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Charity-minded series puts heart in reality TV.

TV ABC Reality TV 2008
Oprah's Big Give Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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What's the Story?

OPRAH'S BIG GIVE challenges a group of do-gooders to out-give each other in a series of charitable assignments that benefit an array of people in need. Produced by media mogul Oprah Winfrey, the show starts with 10 hand-selected contestants; each week, a panel of three celebrity judges weighs in on the competitors' dedication, creativity, and fundraising efforts and eliminates one from the running. Unbeknownst to the participants, the eventual winner will claim not only the title of Biggest Giver, but also a $1 million prize of his or her own.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

The good news is that this series puts some heart into the typically selfish, back-biting world of reality TV. The focus here is on helping others, and it's clear from the get-go that the competitors are excited and driven to do what they can to better the lives of those they're assigned to help. And since the monetary prize is kept secret until the series' end, there's no reason to doubt the participants' dedication to the cause.

On the flipside, though, it can be disappointing to watch contestants' best charitable efforts deemed inadequate by the judges, and kids who don't grasp the full nature of the show may be confused by the elimination process. Plus, some of the stories of hardship (losing a loved one, surviving war, and being homeless, for example) may also be difficult for very young or sensitive viewers to understand, so be sure you're ready to answer any questions they have.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how series like this one can inspire change. Are they as much fun to watch as other, more competitive reality shows? Why or why not? Were you touched by the stories you heard from the charity recipients? Did they make you take a look at your own situation and see what you can do to help others? What are the benefits of giving back?

TV Details

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