Treasure Hunters

TV review by Lucy Maher, Common Sense Media
Treasure Hunters Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 11+

Action-packed, family-friendly reality show.

NBC Reality TV 2006
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Parents say

not rated for age

Based on 1 review

Kids say

not rated for age

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this fast-paced adventure reality show includes some dangerous situations that kids shouldn't try at home (luckily, they may not want to). The show emphasizes the need for creativity, intelligence, and teamwork to solve problems. While there's no discernable cursing, the team members get angry and tell each other off in stressful moments. The show plays up the teams' most stereotypical characteristics.

Community Reviews

big12pokes
big12pokes Adult
April 9, 2008
not rated for age

Great for problem solving, bad for southerners and Christians.

The show is really good. The program showcases problem-solving skills, but one group makes southerners look bad... really bad. And I can't help but think the way the pastor and his family are depicted is made worse by editing the footage. Don't get me wrong, the daughter has some issues, but there were a few times that the other groups believed the pastor and his family did something immoral when I think they were just playing a game. And everyone was kind and showed good sportsmanship when the graduate students had to quit because one girl was hurt. But all in all, I think the show is good fun.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In NBC's TREASURE HUNTERS, 10 competing teams of three criss-cross the globe solving complicated puzzles that lead them to their next clue in their search for a hidden treasure. The teams are made up of individuals with shared backgrounds/something in common. For example, one team is made up of former CIA employees, another is a trio of brothers, there's a "Miss USA" team, three "geniuses," and a mother, father and daughter that make up the ultracompetitive "Fogal Family." During each Da Vinci Code-esque episode hosted by the rather robotic Laird MacIntosh (The Bold and The Beautiful), the teams work hard to both solve the puzzle (which might entail translating Morse Code, unscrambling a cryptic message, or deciphering an ancient map) and make sure they're not the last team to do so; if they are, they're eliminated.

Is It Any Good?

Parents might object to the stereotypical way in which some of the teams are portrayed. For example, the geniuses' geeky sides are played up, while the three Miss USAs are shown using their feminine wiles to get the other players to help them with problem solving. That said, thanks to beautiful cinematography, interesting characters, and non-stop suspense, Treasure Hunters is an entertaining hour of TV.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the importance of goals and following through on a commitment. Why is hard work worth the effort? Why is being a good team player important? Families can also discuss the challenges and situations in each episode. How would you have solved the problem? Is this a reality show you'd be interested in participating in? Why or why not?

TV Details

Our Editors Recommend

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