Language, sex talk in online vs. real-life reality show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Sex, Romance & Nudity
a lot
Relationships and attraction are part of the show, with some contestants openly flirting as part of their strategy. Occasional graphic sexual language and hand gestures, and some players mention having permission from their partners to flirt to win and using oral sex to get what they want.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.
Verbal arguments, threats of elimination, and emotional moments where contestants cry or express frustration. While there's no physical violence, the tense atmosphere and competitive nature can lead to intense confrontations at times.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.
Contestants include men and women who are Black, Latino, and White, as well as straight, gay, and queer. However, their backgrounds are not discussed very extensively.
The show lacks traditional positive role models, as contestants are encouraged to deceive and manipulate to win. However, some players demonstrate strong strategic thinking, adaptability, and resilience in the face of challenges.
Positive Messages
none
The core message revolves around deception, strategic manipulation, and self-interest. While these themes can be entertaining in a competitive context, they don't provide a clear positive takeaway for viewers. The emphasis is on winning at any cost, often at the expense of honesty and integrity.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Anonymous is a reality competition show that centers on deception and manipulation, with contestants encouraged to lie and strategize to win. The show's message suggests that being self-centered and willing to hurt others is necessary to succeed. Additionally, there's frequent coarse language ("hell," "damn," "bitches," "s--t"), and some graphic sexual language and gestures. The premise of living dual lives—one in reality and one online—highlights the blurred lines between identity and persona, which could lead to discussions about the impact of social media and online behavior.
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What's the Story?
THE ANONYMOUS is a reality competition where 12 contestants live together and compete for a prize of up to $100,000. The game is divided into two parts: One is played in person in the house, and the other is "online," where contestants interact through anonymous handles. The contestants include professional gamers, poker players, and other notable personalities, all trying to outwit each other while keeping their identities hidden. The game is overseen by a disembodied AI voice named DANI, who introduces challenges and the game's unique elimination process.
This is a reality game show with high-budget sets and flashy special effects that create an engaging visual experience. The vibe is reminiscent of Squid Game, with a focus on strategic gameplay and deception. The mental challenges are particularly entertaining, as viewers can try to solve them at home. DANI, the AI voice, also adds a humorous touch with witty responses to contestant sass. The elimination twist, where one player decides who goes home instead of the one with the most votes, keeps the game unpredictable. However, the show's emphasis on deception and the occasional fake outrage from contestants can be tiresome. Despite this, the players are generally likable, and the strategic twists and turns make the show intriguing enough to keep viewers hooked.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the concept of online versus real-life personas. The show explores how people can present different versions of themselves online versus in person. How does this reflect the way people interact on social media today, and what are the potential dangers of living dual lives?
How does the show portray the role of deception in winning? Does this approach align with real-life values? What are the consequences of such behavior in noncompetitive settings?
Is it justifiable to deceive and manipulate others to win a game? Discuss the ethics of competition and whether there are limits to what should be considered acceptable behavior in pursuit of a prize.
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
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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.
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
