Smash Cuts

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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 sophomoric series mixes comedy sketches with user-generated online videos. The video clips can be quite violent, with images that range from people kicking and punching each other for laughs to folks accidentally crashing into steel structures, flipping over high ledges, and tumbling down steep mountains. People are heard screaming in pain, and bloody wounds are often shown. Some of these stunts are apparently fueled by alcohol, and people are shown drunk in some videos. Words like “crap” and “hell” are audible (as are racist/classist comments like "cracker" and "white trash"), while curses like “f--k” are bleeped. Remind kids that the stunts they see here can lead to serious injuries and should not be copied.
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What's the Story?
In SMASH CUTS, a group of hip twentysomethings combines sketch comedy with user-generated online content and viral videos. The show’s hosts -- Tommy Bechtold, Angie Greenup, Joe Hanson, Donnivin Jordan, and Julian Smith -- sit in a basement and serve up their own brand of humor while showing video segments that range from extremely silly to painfully bizarre. The gang's interactive comedy skits and advertising spoofs add to the "fun."
Is It Any Good?
Smash Cuts' online video segments are intended to entertain viewers with silly gags and shocking accidents -- some of which have previously aired on other video segment shows like Pranked. But embedding the hosts’ banter/comedy sequences into some of these clips doesn’t really make them any funnier.
Many of the featured stunts put people in real danger and shouldn't be attempted. Meanwhile, some videos -- as well as some of the hosts’ jokes -- incorporate strong sexual innuendo and inappropriately racist and classist comments. Teens mature enough to handle it may find something to laugh at here, but the overall content isn’t suitable for younger kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why people post videos on the Internet. Is it because they want their “15 minutes of fame?” Or are there other reasons?
Why do people attempt silly or crazy stunts? When do stunts and/or pranks go too far?
What message do shows like this send to young viewers?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 4, 2009
- Cast: Angie Greenup, Joe Hanson, Tommy Bechtold
- Network: Syndicated
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 24, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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