Parents' Guide to

Buddy Games

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Movie-inspired game show has friendships, bleeped cursing.

TV CBS Game Shows 2023
Buddy Games TV show poster: Medium shot of Josh Duhamel in plaid shirt in front of target with winged darts.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

  • Buddy Games TV show screenshot 1: Josh Duhamel faces all teams grouped together outdoors.
  • Buddy Games TV show screenshot 2: Josh Duhanel stands covered in mud.
  • Buddy Games TV show screenshot 3: Some pours mustard on top of someone's head in a plastic box.

Community Reviews

See all
age 7+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Jamie H.
Jamie H. Adult
May 8, 2024
age 2+

So fun and, in my opinion, the whole family would enjoy it! I can't wait for a season 2! My only con is I wish it would've lasted longer! Love this show! 💯💗

thomas L.
thomas L. Adult
October 19, 2023
age 12+

Don’t bother, it’s awful

One of the dullest shows I’ve ever had to sit thru (waited for big brother to come on). If I wanted to watch groups of ordinary friends play games I could walk down the street to a community tennis court. Really awful show.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

A TV game show adaptation of the movie of the same name that pits six teams of four buddies competing for cash and bragging rights. Hosted by franchise creator Josh Duhamel, each team must compete against the others in silly outdoor mental and physical competitions, sometimes with the help of sabotage. When they're not outside playing the games, they hang out in the "lake house" where the buddies get to hang out in their own set of rooms and have a good time with the others. At the end of each episode, the two lowest-scoring teams must face off, and the team that loses must send one of their buddies home. The team that hangs on until the end wins $200K and a trophy.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

The unscripted series, which feels like a wild summer camp adventure for adults, features groups of tight-knit friends working together to win money while enjoying their camaraderie. The giant lake house, complete with bunk beds and other cabin-like furniture, is the social center of the operation, but the competitions, regardless of how silly they are, aren't taken lightly, in part because no team wants to send one of their friends home. Granted, Buddy Games doesn't offer anything but mindless entertainment, but it's nice to see good friends enjoying each other's company.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the challenges of adapting a movie concept into a TV reality competition series. What are the reasons for doing it?

  • Did you know that the TV version of Buddy Games was filmed in Bogotá, Colombia? Why does the lake house and overall set design make it look like it's taking place in the United States?

TV Details

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.

See all recommended tv lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

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