Prank Academy
Common Sense says
- YouTube
- Reality TV
- 2017
Parents say
Kids say
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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 Prank Academy is a web show that stars YouTube personalities Jeana Smith and Jesse Wellens along with celebrity guests planning jokes on their friends. Professional stunt people and extras help stage the pranks, making them very believable and the victims' reactions very authentic. Expect to be highly entertained, especially because the show's 14-minute format keeps things moving along at a brisk clip and keeps the victims' length of discomfort to a minimum. Some language ("s--t" is audible; "f--k" is edited) makes this an iffy choice for kids. If you watch with your tweens and teens, though, use the opportunity to talk about the fine line between good-natured pranking and more harmful bullying behavior.
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What's the story?
Jokesters Jeana Smith and Jesse Wellens, the popular prank-pulling couple of internet fame, share their talents with others in PRANK ACADEMY. Each episode sees the hosts scheming with a celebrity guest to put one over on an unsuspecting friend in hilarious fashion. Using professional props, stunt people, and extras, these elaborate hoaxes will have their victims plotting revenge in a hurry.
Is it any good?
From cooking-show mishaps to choreographed public brawls, these polished pranks get big laughs from everyone involved once the truth comes out. The conspirators obviously have fun staging them, and the victims are decent sports about the short-lived stress after the dust clears. With professionals setting the scene and manning the stunts, it's no wonder the subjects don't have a clue they're the brunt of a joke until the big reveal. These are top-notch ploys set up by people who don't joke around about their pranks.
Prank Academy is a fun pick for parents with tweens and teens, but occasional language and some innuendo keep it from being full family fare. It's also a great way to start conversations with your kids about bullying, as you can compare and contrast the players' actions with more hurtful intentions kids may have witnessed or experienced in their own lives.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about bullying. What defines behavior that's bullying in nature? Is everyone's sensitivity to teasing the same, or do different people have different tolerance levels? How does it feel to be the center of attention when you didn't choose it? Do you think Prank Academy is bullying?
What kinds of surprises are good ones and which aren't? Have you ever planned a surprise that went wrong? Do you like being surprised?
Tweens: Do you watch web shows and YouTube channels like PrankvsPrank? How do they differ from what's on TV? Who are your favorite internet celebrities? How has the internet changed who we revere as a star?
TV details
- Premiere date: March 30, 2017
- Cast: Jeana Smith, Jesse Wellens
- Network: YouTube
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: NR
- Available on: Streaming
- Last updated: March 13, 2020
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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.
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