Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Contestants judge what's real in silly sales game show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Snake Oil
What's the Story?
SNAKE OIL is a game show where people try to discern if people are pitching them real goods and services or a product of someone's imagination for cash. Hosted by David Spade, it features two contestants, each of whom is given $50K, then is paired with a celebrity "advisor" with has some real-life experience in business and marketing. After listening to taglines, watching infomercials, and participating in 60-second Q&A sessions from sets of product "business reps," each contestant must determine which product or business is real and invest some of their money into it. Contestants who choose incorrectly lose money, while those who guess right earn cash. The contestant with the least money at the end of the second round is eliminated, while the other goes to the "snake pit" for the chance to win up to an extra $100K.
Is It Any Good?
This entertaining series uses a late 19th century metaphor to distinguish legitimate entrepreneurs from scammers with fake goods and empty promises. Despite David Spade's palpable lack of enthusiasm throughout, the appearance of celebs like singer Michelle Williams, model Christie Brinkley, actor Ice-T, and others add some humor to the game. The show also leans heavily on the silliness of the infomercials and audience reactions. Overall, if you're looking for a game that will keep you guessing throughout, Snake Oil may fit the bill.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how hard it is for contestants to decide which business ventures are real. Are you surprised by some of the real products being peddled on the show? Why?
Snake Oil is a term coined to describe fake medicines that promised cures for all sorts of illnesses in the late 1900s. Is media advertising prevented from selling fake products today? By whom?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 27, 2023
- Cast : David Spade
- Network : Fox
- Genre : Game Shows
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : March 15, 2024
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