Wanna Bet?

Kids say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
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 although overall this game show is age-appropriate for most tweens and up, there is a fair amount of double entendre. Both male and female performers/contestants are congratulated on their looks, and the betting celebrities occasionally wager on whether the contestants will succeed at their challenges based on their appearances. Since the contestants aren't competing directly with each other, there're are fewer snarky, judge-type comments than on other reality contests.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
The premise of WANNA BET? is simple. Ordinary people who can perform some pretty odd stunts -- from hula-hooping a tractor tire to skiing over fresh eggs without breaking them -- get the opportunity to perform in front of the cameras, while minor celebrities like Corbin Bernsen bet on whether or not the contestants can pull it off. The celebs get $25,000 to work with; the winner gives their pot to charity.
Is It Any Good?
The scary thing about this show is the way it sucks you in. On paper, the premise sounds like it would be dreadful -- and yet, by the end of the first stunt, you can't help but cheer along with the performer.
British hosts Ant and Dec are charming -- and smart enough to keep the action moving. But ultimately, it's not the celebrities and the periodic, mildly off-color quips that offer the most entertainment. It's the stunts -- like the team of women who pit-stop a car against a team of professional men -- who get you cheering and laughing. Bottom line? It's silly, frothy, and an oddly fun way to spend an evening.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the performers accomplish their various challenges. How do you think they learned to do such out of the ordinary things? Why do you think the contestants want to perform? Is it just to help win money for charity, or could they have other motivations? Why do people want to be on television?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 21, 2008
- Cast: Anthony McPartlin, Declan Donnelly
- Network: ABC
- Genre: Game Shows
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 24, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate