Stunt Junkies: Go Big or Go Home
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 this documentary-style reality show follows extreme athletes as they perform stunts on snowboards, surfboards, motorbikes, and so on. While the show makes responsible attempts to explain the risks of the stunts and admonishes viewers not to try the feats themselves, the athletes who pull off the dangerous feats are greatly admired and complimented. Younger viewers may need to have the "don't try this at home" warnings reinforced by their parents.
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What's the Story?
In documentary-style series STUNT JUNKIES: GO BIG OR GO HOME, hosts Eli Thompson and Perry Barndt travel to watch daring athletes perform stunts on snowboards, parachutes, bikes, and more. In one episode filmed at Cape Hatteras, NC, for example, a pioneering kiteboarder sets up a jump over a tiny island. The hosts introduce the athlete and the stunt and detail some of the basic calculations needed to prepare for the stunt -- like the height and width of the ramps on either side of the island, as well as the projected trajectory of the board as it sails over the land mass. Risks are also addressed. In the kiteboarding episode, for example, while the athlete and hosts waited for the weather to cooperate, they discussed the sport's history, noting that 20 people have died while kiteboarding and showing clips of some painful mistakes on the board.
Is It Any Good?
The show's real appeal is watching the stunts in action; the set-up discussion and possible complications can get tiring, especially because the hosts aren't terribly exciting. The athletes' personalities vary from compelling to flat from episode to episode.
Each episode begins with the host explaining the danger involved in attempting stunts and repeating the familiar "don't try this at home" mantra. It's a responsible gesture, but parents may want to keep an eye on younger viewers to make sure they actually follow the admonition.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about taking risks. When is risk-taking a good idea, and when should you play it safe? How do the people doing the stunts on this show protect themselves? Is it responsible to show feats like these on television? Families can also discuss sports in general. Which sports do you like? Which ones have you always wanted to try? Have you ever been injured while playing sports? What kinds of precautions do you take when participating in sports?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 2, 2006
- Cast: Eli Thompson, Perry Barndt
- Network: Discovery Channel
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: September 19, 2019
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