Paid Off with Michael Torpey
Mature game show humor with a side of activism.
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Paid Off with Michael Torpey
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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 Paid Off with Michael Torpey is a comedic game show in which a diverse array of people compete for the chance to have their student debt completely paid off. The contestants each start the show by explaining what school they attended, their major, how much college debt they have, and how that debt is holding them back. Real facts about the college debt crisis are interspersed throughout the rounds of competition, and the host encourages contestants and viewers to contact their congress person to advocate for eliminating student debt at the end of each episode. Many of the trivia questions are easy enough for kids to answer, but there are jokes of a sexual nature and suggestive puns, as well as some mild profanity and insulting language -- including words like "s--t," "ass," "damn," and the occasional bleeped "f--k." The host's sidekick also regularly slings humorous insults, including a "Sick Burns" feature in which he plays Alan Jones, the Terrible Insult Comic.
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What's the Story?
In PAID OFF WITH MICHAEL TORPEY, comedian Michael Torpey has the "foolish" idea he can do something about student loan debt. The game show gives lucky grads the chance to test the depth of their degrees in a fun, fast-paced trivia game show, while educating viewers about the student debt crisis. Eliminated contestants are sent off to the audience to carry out activities to help the cause: passing out a thank you card for Elizabeth Warren or using the "direct phone to Congress" to demand change. In the end, one lucky winner will get the chance to have their student debt wiped out.
Is It Any Good?
Its the rare show that can make you laugh, make you think, and make you feel good. Paid Off with Michael Torpey manages to do all that while throwing in some healthy competition to boot. The trivia here isn't particularly challenging because, as the host says, they're trying to give away as much money as possible. But viewers will still learn a lot about the state of the college debt crisis in America -- an issue Torpey is clearly passionate about.
The host smartly uses his contestants' stories to drive home his message, talking to each about how their life would change if their debt were eliminated. Indeed, many winners celebrate with heartfelt hugs and tears of gratitude upon having their debt wiped clean. It's all surprisingly touching for a show filled with silly games and cheesy puns. Sadly, the repeated comedic references to mature topics such as drugs, alcohol, and sex rule out the show's would-be perfect audience: families with kids of all ages. Which is a real shame, since it's the rare game show capable of sparking some meaningful conversation after the TV is turned off.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it means to have student debt. Why do some people have a lot more debt than others? Why doesn't America provide college for free like other countries? Does that seem fair?
Talk about what it means to be an activist. How does the host of the show encourage his viewers to get involved with an issue he cares about?
How do you feel when someone wins on this show? Do you think you care more because you know a little about the contestants lives and how eliminating their debt will help them?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 15, 2022
- Cast: Michael Torpey
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Game Shows
- Topics: Activism
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: December 1, 2022
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