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Parents' Guide to

The Bridge

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

British DIY reality challenge has cursing, scheming.

TV Max Game Shows 2021
The Bridge Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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What's the Story?

THE BRIDGE is a British reality series about a group of people trying to build a large bridge in order to win a major cash prize. Twelve contestants from across England meet up in the wilderness of Northern Wales hoping to play a game and win some money. Upon arrival, they learn that they must build a 850-foot bridge in 20 days to cross part of Lyn Brenig Lake and reach the 100,000£ (roughly $140,000) prize that awaits them in a trunk on the island. With only manual tools and a limited amount of basic food pantry supplies, they must figure out how to do everything by hand. But there are some surprises in store for them, which requires them to eliminate fellow contestants and make some potentially unethical decisions. The group must work as a team, and they all hope to reach the money on time. But what they don't realize is that if they make it, they'll have to choose only one person among them to get the cash.

Is It Any Good?

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

This voyeuristic reality competition, which is narrated by James McAvoy, is a mild reality competition with Survivor-like elements. There are some catty exchanges, usually due to food scarcity, exhaustion, or frustrations about the lack of leadership. There's also some scheming during the process. The fear of sudden eliminations also adds to the drama.

The overall series feels more subdued than many U.S.-produced realty shows. Disagreements are respectful, and despite the fact that contestants are competing for money, many seem to put more value on the friendships they've made. As long as you're not looking for some over-the-top unscripted entertainment, The Bridge is fun to watch.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what it's like to to live each day doing everything by hand. What are the most challenging tasks? Why? Is there anything that can't be done by hand?

  • In The Bridge, a few contestants get chances to keep some money, but must do something that negatively impacts the team in return. Is this a good way to play the game? If you were put in in the same position, what would you do?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: February 19, 2021
  • Cast: James McAvoy
  • Network: Max
  • Genre: Game Shows
  • TV rating: TV-14
  • Last updated: February 26, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

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