Big Shot

Big Shot

show

TV-MA, 2021

WISE
32%

WISE Score

33

Avg. Tomatometer

Bethenny Frankel's Apprentice knockoff where aspiring moguls compete for a job—critics hated it, and your teen will probably find it cringe.

IMDb6.3
RT Critics33%
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
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Where-to-watch data byJustWatch
Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is basically The Apprentice but make it Bethenny Frankel. Critics gave it 33% on Rotten Tomatoes for good reason—it's a tired format with minimal fresh ideas.

The show won't traumatize anyone (it's safe in terms of content), but it's also not enriching in any meaningful way. Your teen isn't going to learn real business skills from watching manufactured reality TV challenges. What they will absorb is the message that ruthless competition and celebrity worship equal success, which... yikes.

The bigger issue? It's just not good TV. Even if you're looking for something 'educational' about business, there are far better documentaries, shows, and even YouTube channels that teach entrepreneurship without the toxic hustle culture packaging.

Unless your teen is specifically obsessed with Bethenny Frankel or reality competition shows, skip this. It's not offensive, but it's not worth your time either.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media rates this 14+, which tracks for the business content and competitive dynamics. That said, most teens will find this dated and boring—it's a 2021 show that already feels like a relic of pre-pandemic girlboss culture. Adults might hate-watch it, but teens? Unlikely.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
35

Reality competition shows built around business mogul worship and cutthroat competition don't model kindness or cooperation. The format inherently pits contestants against each other in elimination-style challenges, promoting a zero-sum mentality. While not overtly toxic, the 'fight your way to the top' framework isn't emotionally healthy viewing, especially for the teen audience Common Sense Media targets at 14+.

Imaginative
25

This is a formulaic reality competition show following the well-worn Apprentice template. There's no creative expression, world-building, or invitation to explore ideas. Contestants execute business tasks, but viewers are passive observers of a predictable format. The 'real-life challenges' are scripted scenarios, not genuine creative problem-solving that sparks imagination.

Safe
70

No violence, gore, sexual content, or major trigger warnings. Reality competition drama and interpersonal conflict are present but standard for the genre. Common Sense Media's 14+ rating suggests some competitive tension and potentially mature business scenarios, but nothing shocking or inappropriate. The main safety concern is the psychological impact of glorifying hustle culture and business competition, not content warnings.

Enriching
40

There's marginal value in seeing business challenges and entrepreneurial thinking, but it's packaged as entertainment-first reality TV with manufactured drama. The show might expose teens to basic business concepts, but the Bethenny Frankel personality cult and 'mogul' framing undercuts genuine learning. The low critic score (33% RT) suggests even the entertainment value is questionable. Some career exposure, but wrapped in problematic 'girlboss' hustle culture messaging.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Exposes teens to basic business concepts and entrepreneurial challenges in a reality TV format
  • Could spark interest in business, marketing, or career planning for teens curious about that world
  • No major content concerns—it's safe in terms of violence, sex, or inappropriate material
  • Audience score (67% RT) suggests some viewers found it entertaining despite critical panning
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What to Watch For

  • Heavy emphasis on cutthroat competition and 'hustle culture' that may not model healthy work-life balance
  • Celebrity worship of Bethenny Frankel as the ultimate business authority—take with a grain of salt
  • Reality TV manufactured drama and editing that doesn't reflect real business environments
  • Low critical reception means it's probably not actually that entertaining or well-made

Conversation Starters

  • "What do you think makes someone good at business? Is it just about winning competitions?"
  • "How realistic do you think these challenges are compared to actual jobs?"
  • "Would you want to work for someone like Bethenny? What kind of boss would you want to be?"
  • "Do you think reality shows like this teach real skills or are they mostly for entertainment?"
Stills
Big Shot — still 1
Big Shot — still 2
Big Shot — still 3

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