Pictureka!
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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 this family-friendly game show celebrates teamwork, family togetherness, and fair play. Kids and parents must work as a team to win the game, and the show’s challenges focus on memory and quick-thinking skills, so that no contestant is at a disadvantage because of his or her age. Of course there’s the unavoidable issue of Hasbro’s blatant marketing of its own Pictureka! board game, but families who like the show may be encouraged to forego the TV entirely for their own family game night.
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Good, family-friendly game show
What's the story?
Based on the popular board game of the same name, PICTUREKA! is a game show that challenges contestants to locate pictures hidden in a studio filled with sketches of various objects and characters. Each game challenges two three-person teams of family members to battle it out in a series of stunts designed to test their ability to find pictures of designated game characters and everyday items before the time runs out. The teams accumulate “fish points” with every correct item they retrieve, and the winning team moves on to play a final round for a grand prize.
Is it any good?
This family-geared game show is probably best for viewers who are familiar with the board game itself, since they'll have the added enjoyment of seeing how the show’s creators have transferred the two-dimensional game to a lively studio setting and its components to the contestants’ challenges. As for sheer entertainment value, this show falls a little short. The games are difficult for viewers to get invested in, since the scavenger hunt for pictures is tough to replicate from the living room couch.
But that’s not to say it’s all bad, since the show does encourage the contestants to work as a team and puts all of the players -- adults and kids alike -- on equal footing throughout the game. All of the participants seem to have a good time and demonstrate good sportsmanship, so there are positive messages for kids about healthy competition and fair play. What’s more, if you can look past the blatant advertising by series producer Hasbro, the show might just inspire you to plan your own family game night playing Pictureka! or other games you have at home.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about competition. What are the positive effects of competition? How does it challenge you to improve yourself? How do you demonstrate fair play?
Kids: What are your favorite games and sports to play? Do all games have to be competitive? What special skills do these games require?
What are your family’s rules about TV? Are there certain shows or types of shows you’re allowed to watch? Why do parents establish rules like these? Do you have similar rules about other media?
Is this show an extended commercial for Hasbro's board game? After watching the show, are you more likely to buy or play the game or other Hasbro products? How can kids and parents counteract the effects of commercialism on their families?
TV details
- Premiere date: October 11, 2010
- Cast: Cory Almeida
- Network: Discovery Family Channel
- Genre: Game Shows
- TV rating: TV-G
For kids who love family games
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.