Common Sense Media Review
Secrets of the infomercial exposed; OK for older kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
But wait, there's more! In a way, PITCHMEN is, at its core, about how that iconic phrase has become a part of our cultural lexicon. Infomercial hosts Billy Mays and Anthony "Sully" Sullivan work with inventors of various odd products to make ads for the direct-order market. The series documents the process all the way from the inventor's pitch to how some of the products are made to how well they eventually do on the market.
Is It Any Good?
Pitchmen is suprisingly fun. While watching Mays and Sullivan bicker might get grating after an episode or two, the process is fascinating and the storytelling is clean and even funny at times. And there are lots of engaging interviews with the inventors.
While the hosts clearly relish their role in helping inventors make their dreams come true, they do place a lot of emphasis on products. That said, a lot of those products are designed to make people's lives better, and ultimately, that's what sells -- so it's a win-win situation, with or without a special bonus offer thrown in.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what this show teaches viewers about how products are marketed. What tactics do the hosts use? How does that affect your perception of the product they're demonstrating?
How are the techniques described here similar to and different from those used in more conventional advertising? Which has a stronger impact on you? Why?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 15, 2009
- Cast : Anthony Sullivan , Billy Mays
- Network : Discovery Channel
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 11, 2022
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