Parents' Guide to

The Dudesons in America

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Stupid, painful stunts could give kids VERY dangerous ideas.

TV MTV Reality TV 2010
The Dudesons in America Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 14+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Holly499
Holly499 Parent of 14-year-old
May 29, 2010
age 13+

We like the Dudesons

I think the dudesons are great.They are funny,very loyal to each other.They let nothing stand in their way.Their attitude is always positive.I don't see anything negative in what they do.If anything I think they send out positive messages to teens.

This title has:

Great messages
Plague
Plague Parent
May 11, 2010
age 14+

The Dudesons in America

This is a very funny, but highly dangerous show. The guys do stunts that people would never imagine doing. Even the Jackass crew would think twice before attempting these stunts. But aside from the dangerous situations they put themselves and eachother through, they show compassion to one another and have an almost brother-like bond for eachother. The Dudesons have always been one of my favorite shows ever since they air it on Spike, but I would never recommend this show for anyone under the age of 13.

This title has:

Great messages
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What's the Story?

When lifelong friends Jukka Hilden, Jarppi Leppälä, Jarno Laasala, and Hannu-Pekka "HP" Parviainen move their hit extreme-stunt show, The Dudesons, from Finland to the United States, they become THE DUDESONS IN AMERICA, taking up residence on a ranch and challenging each other to a littany of cringe-inducing dares. Like being dragged behind a horse on water skis through an obstacle course. Or having their buttocks branded with a blistering "USA" insignia. The Dudesons have previously appeared on Viva La Bam, and the show is produced by Johnny Knoxville and Jeff Tremaine (of Jackass fame).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Adults who like the whole violence/comedy thing might get a few laughs at the Dudesons' expense -- or, like us, have their eyes covered for half of the show. But this is no place for kids, even with the bold-faced disclaimer that runs before each show urging them not to try these stunts at home.

The friends good-natured personalities might make it easy to overlook their irresponsible behavior. And kids who aren't old enough to exercise good judgement might be tempted to follow in the cheerful guys' footsteps. And that can only lead to injury...or a show on MTV.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the show's reliance on violence for humor, and why some people think it's funny to see others injure themselves on purpose, all for the sake of a laugh. What's the appeal?

  • Why would these guys agree to hurt themselves on national television -- in other words, what do you think they're getting out of it? Does the show clearly communicate the level of risk involved with each stunt?

  • How much of what you're seeing in real, and how can you tell? Does knowing that the Dudesons are actually in pain affect how you react to their antics?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: May 6, 2010
  • Network: MTV
  • Genre: Reality TV
  • TV rating: TV-14
  • Last updated: March 8, 2023

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