Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stupid, painful stunts could give kids VERY dangerous ideas.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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?
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 :
- Last updated : October 21, 2022
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