Small Fortune
Miniature game show is fun for short stretches.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Small Fortune
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
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 Small Fortune is a game show in which teams complete challenges centered around miniature sets and events. Hosted by Lil Rel Howery, each episode features a series of tasks that escalate in difficulty. The tasks usually require fine motor skills like flicking small items or stacking things with tweezers. Teams must make strategic decisions about how to practice and complete each task, which is potentially worth a certain amount of money that can claimed by breaking into a miniature bank. Throughout are positive messages about teamwork and critical thinking, and tasks reward strategy, calm, and patience.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Hosted by Lil Rel Howery, Small Fortune invites teams of contestants to compete in amusing yet gruelling challenges to win money. The twist is that all of the challenges take place on miniature sets with miniature props. Teams must flick, tweeze, and feel their way to success to accrue money before finally pulling off a tiny bank heist to walk away with their winnings.
Is It Any Good?
It's surprisingly fun to watch someone sweat while trying to flick a fingernail-sized newspaper into a thumb-sized wastebasket. The skills that Small Fortune puts to the test often are those that most people would use only while incredibly bored, but there are (small) thrills in watching contestants keep their cool while attempting to stack tiny cans with tweezers. Trouble is, Small Fortune is an hour-long show that's really only interesting in short increments. At length, it gets repetitive and winning can feel somewhat arbitrary. It would have been perfect for short-form or YouTube.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the challenges. What makes the challenges on Small Fortune fun? What does the show offer that couldn't happen if the events were at a larger scale?
What skills seem to be necessary to compete on Small Fortune? What types of people seem to do well? What strategies are involved?
What is the benefit of practicing or not practicing on the show? What kinds of choices do the contestants make about practice? What seems to work or not work?
TV Details
- Premiere date: May 31, 2021
- Cast: Lil Rel Howery
- Network: NBC
- Genre: Game Shows
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: March 2, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
American Ninja Warrior
Super-fit folks conquer big obstacles for money.
-
Ultimate Tag
Simple, high-energy game show is lots of silly fun.
-
Lego Masters
Lego building competition is creative, fun, brand-heavy.
-
Jeopardy!
What is a classic trivia show with a catchy tune?
For kids who love Games
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.
See how we rate