Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mature game show humor with a side of activism.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Paid Off with Michael Torpey
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In PAID OFF WITH MICHAEL TORPEY, comedian Michael Torpey has the "foolish" idea he can do something about student loan debt. The game show gives lucky grads the chance to test the depth of their degrees in a fun, fast-paced trivia game show, while educating viewers about the student debt crisis. Eliminated contestants are sent off to the audience to carry out activities to help the cause: passing out a thank you card for Elizabeth Warren or using the "direct phone to Congress" to demand change. In the end, one lucky winner will get the chance to have their student debt wiped out.
Is It Any Good?
Its the rare show that can make you laugh, make you think, and make you feel good. Paid Off with Michael Torpey manages to do all that while throwing in some healthy competition to boot. The trivia here isn't particularly challenging because, as the host says, they're trying to give away as much money as possible. But viewers will still learn a lot about the state of the college debt crisis in America -- an issue Torpey is clearly passionate about.
The host smartly uses his contestants' stories to drive home his message, talking to each about how their life would change if their debt were eliminated. Indeed, many winners celebrate with heartfelt hugs and tears of gratitude upon having their debt wiped clean. It's all surprisingly touching for a show filled with silly games and cheesy puns. Sadly, the repeated comedic references to mature topics such as drugs, alcohol, and sex rule out the show's would-be perfect audience: families with kids of all ages. Which is a real shame, since it's the rare game show capable of sparking some meaningful conversation after the TV is turned off.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it means to have student debt. Why do some people have a lot more debt than others? Why doesn't America provide college for free like other countries? Does that seem fair?
Talk about what it means to be an activist. How does the host of the show encourage his viewers to get involved with an issue he cares about?
How do you feel when someone wins on this show? Do you think you care more because you know a little about the contestants lives and how eliminating their debt will help them?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 15, 2022
- Cast: Michael Torpey
- Network: Max
- Genre: Game Shows
- Topics: Activism
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: December 1, 2022
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