Parents' Guide to

Stunt Junkies: Go Big or Go Home

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Extreme athletes give weak thrills; tweens and up.

TV Discovery Channel Reality TV 2006
Stunt Junkies: Go Big or Go Home Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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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?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

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

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