Parents' Guide to

Top Shot

By Will Wade, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Marksmen contest features ace gun skills, but little drama.

TV History Reality TV 2010
Top Shot Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

johnleipzig
johnleipzig Adult
July 9, 2010
age 13+

This title has:

Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Sixteen of the world's best marksmen have been recruited for this reality competition series, where they compete in a series of challenges to see who is really the TOP SHOT. The tests involve a wide range of weapons, including pistols, World War II era guns, modern sniper rifles, and even slingshots and knives. The show follows a fairly standard format: Two teams face off in group event, with two members of the losing side nominated to go head-to-head to see who is sent packing, and who will remain for a chance at the $100,000 prize.

Is It Any Good?

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

These marksmen (and a single female contestant) are certainly talented; shooting a round through a plate-size target at 600 yards is no easy feat, but they make it look easy. And that's the problem: There's little drama involved in watching them carefully take aim and fire. It's impossible not to admire their talent, but that doesn't make it exciting television.

Host Colby Donaldson is a veteran of Survivor: The Australian Outback, which clearly serves as the model here. He narrates the competitions much like the hosts of other well-made reality competitions, but it's hard to introduce excitement when his comments typically boil down to "Red team, missed another shot."

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about guns. Parents: What are your beliefs around gun use and gun ownership? Where have these ideas come from? How important is it to you that your kids share the same beliefs?

  • While the marksmen's skills are impressive, are they practical? Besides snipers and hunters, how often does anyone need to make a shot at 200 yards? How do you feel about snipers and hunters?

  • How much time do you think the contestants put into developing their shooting skills. Do you think you could hit any of those targets, hundreds of yards in the distance? Would you want to try?

  • Why are almost all of the shooters men?

TV Details

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