Parents' Guide to

Surviving the Cut

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Reality docu features intense Special Forces training.

TV Discovery Channel Reality TV 2010
Surviving the Cut Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 12+

Based on 1 parent review

moviemadness
moviemadness Adult
September 7, 2010
age 12+
Surviving the Cut is a great, inspiring, and informative show about the U.S. Special Forces. The men persevere through physically and emotionally tasking challenges with bravery and teamwork. That being said, there is a LOT of bad language. It is bleeped, but the amount is still staggering -and every child knows just what's going on. There is a good deal of intense physical strain, blood, vomit, and passing out too. Great show for teens and up.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

SURVIVING THE CUT follows soldiers who are undergoing intense military training in hopes of joining one of the Special Forces elite units. Each episode follows the soldiers as they attend a school designed to prepare them for a specific military unit -- like the Army Rangers, the Navy Seals, the Marine Snipers, and the Air Force Pararescuers. Upon arrival, the candidates must endure grueling military exercises designed to test their mental and physical ability to handle the school's rigorous demands. Those who survive must then make it through even tougher exercises that prep thm for the rigors and dangers they'll face in combat. The soldiers who don't quit or get eliminated then participate in orchestrated combat operations designed to test their leadership and fighting skills. The few who survive all of the cuts and pass their course earn a coveted spot in the Special Forces.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (1):

Surviving the Cut offers an interesting behind-the-scenes look at the training that goes into the Special Forces. There's some explanation of the extreme training measures that soldiers must go to in order to qualify for each elite unit, and the show highlights the core values of each division, which usually include strength, bravery, focus, and teamwork.

There's some strong language, and while the violence featured is in context, some of the military exercises may be a bit much for younger viewers. But those interested in the military or pursuing a military career will definitely find the series worth watching.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the military. Why do soldiers choose to subject themselves to this kind of rigorous training in order to become part of these divisions?

  • Why do you think women aren't allowed to be part of the Special Forces?

  • Do you think reality shows like this one encourage people to join the military? Or vice versa? Why?

TV Details

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