Television Review: My Dad Is Better Than Your Dad
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this energetic game show -- in
which father-child teams compete for the chance to win $50,000
-- highlights positive messages like teamwork, good
sportsmanship, and strong father-child relationships. Kids
participate in most of the competitions, though their roles
usually require less effort than their parents'. Some of the
teams are a little over-competitive, and some challenges
require dads to contend with things like snakes and spiders.
Bragging is a part of the show, but it's presented in a joking
context.
Families can talk about what makes a parent "the best." Is it
being able to win a game show? Are anyone's parents really
"better" than anyone else's? Do you think that's the message
the show is really sending? Kids: What do your parents do
that's admirable or inspiring? Parents: What makes your
kids the best? Families can also discuss game shows in
general. Do people compete in crazy (and sometimes scary)
challenges just for the money? Or is there another
motivation?
In the game show MY DAD IS BETTER THAN YOUR DAD, enthusiastic fathers team up with their tween kids to compete for the title of "Best Dad." Host Dan Cortese presides as father-kid teams try to outscore each other in competitions like the human dartboard, snake bobbing, and quizzes. After each challenge, the lowest-scoring duo must leave the arena. The winning team gets the title, bragging rights, and the chance to play for $50,000.
Even though the father-child teams are playing for money, the show's focus is really on their relationships. It also highlights strong teamwork and good sportsmanship. While some teams occasionally exhibit some overly competitive behavior (like the kid who proudly shares that his father argues with referees at his ball games, for example), all of the kids openly talk about how much they love and admire their fathers -- whether they win or not.
Competing in oddball events for money may not be the most realistic or ideal way for parents to show their love for their children, but watching them do it is definitely lots of fun. My Dad Is Better Than Your Dad is a good bet for kids of all ages who enjoy fun game shows. Some of the challenges are a little creepy (like having to bob for things in a tank full of snakes) and might be a little scary for very young viewers. But the show's energy and positive messages make it a good family viewing choice.
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