Prank It Fwd
By Joyce Slaton,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Positive prank show is uplifting; some iffy content.
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Prank It Fwd
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What's the Story?
First launched in 2014 by Smosh and a bunch of YouTube prank channels, PRANK IT FWD is hosted by YouTube channel Break and features short videos in which deserving recipients are fooled by kind-hearted pranks: a young girl with leukemia who wants to meet her two favorite YouTubers; customers at a car repair shop whose bills are unexpectedly paid; a tween who visits a comic shop and finds that one of the characters he created has been brought to life with a super-cool superhero uniform. All these people and others are teased and bamboozled -- before being given something they really, really want. For every 1,000 views or social media tags/shares, Break will donate $1 to a progressive nonprofit.
Is It Any Good?
There are millions of prank videos on YouTube, but this series stands out by playing positive tricks on victims, spreading love and support in a surprisingly uplifting way. Viewers who watch as a hard-working house cleaner gets a day to relax (oh, and then a new house, and an all-expenses-paid trip to Mexico), or as street performers get unexpected huge tips may find themselves misting up a little -- and then watching on for more warm fuzzies.
Some content, especially in older videos, may be a bit strong for younger kids, and some who watch may be confused as to why the word "prank" is being used for a stunt that's meant to be kind instead of making someone look like a fool. But the sweetness of these shorts makes Prank It Fwd a good bet for tweens and teens who'll enjoy watching deserving strangers have a surprisingly great day -- and for parents who need a little happy boost, too.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the concept of a prank show. What types of pranks are usually featured on YouTube? How are the Prank It Fwd pranks different?
Does the fact that Prank It Fwd donates money to charity make you want to watch more? Do you think the show has any other reasons to encourage more viewers to watch?
What types of people does Prank It Fwd feature? Describe them. Are they sympathetic? Why would the series be more likely to feature people that viewers will like and relate to?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 25, 2017
- Network: YouTube
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: November 29, 2017
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