Viva la Bam (2003–2006) User Reviews

Margera Makes It Happen!

[TheRich · 8/10 · 28 May 2006]

This, without any doubt, is the greatest spin off to Jackass ever made, hell, it even blows Jackass out of the water.

Picture this: You have a group of guys who just didn't want to grow up, throw in a ton of money, and some seriously cool stunts, and you have Viva La Bam.

This show, it's such a family-based one, and it's not just "the gang" running around being complete jerks (like in Jackass). For example: Bam's parents, April and Phil, are in every episode, with appearances of Bam's obese uncle, Don Vito to boot! The reason why the Margera family makes us laugh is simple: Somebody in our family can relate. April: The woman who wants to live life by the book and follow tradition. Phil: The guy who tries to be a good father, and finally, Bam: That son that never grew out of high school.

The pranks and jokes in every episode will give you a guaranteed laugh, and buying the DVDs is definitely recommended! Another thing which is surprising to see, is how casual Margera is over the whole thing. He's said in interviews that for the majority of episodes, he isn't acting, and is just acting off instinct.

What I liked the most about the whole thing, however, is the amount of influence Margera has over MTV. He wanted Slayer to play in his backyard, MTV did it. He wanted to hang with Dani Filth for a day and have a Cradle Of Filth concert in his backyard, it happened.

Add to this his passion for the love-metal (and debated as emo) band H.I.M and his brother's garage band CKY, and there's a whole lot of head banging going on.

If you liked Jackass, you'll fall in love with this. I borrowed Season 1 from a friend last year, and I would give up my legs to meet the Viva La Bam Crew. You will not be disappointed, and I can promise you'll be in stitches by the end of it all!

Stupid Fun

[TylerisCritical · 7/10 · 8 July 2020]

When I was young, I would watch this with my mother and we were in awe of all the crazy things Bam would do. He fueled my love for skating with his hilarious slapstick and his constant torturing of everyone around him. It's basically Jackass with a plot which was enough for us. I wouldn't suggest showing this to your impressionable five or six year old for gear of them growing up wanting to be Bam, but it's a great show to chill with a cold one, hang out with your buddies or watch with your partner, and just get a much-deserved laugh at their sophomore hijinks.

From my heart 10/10

[skeledzicandrej · 8/10 · 27 May 2020]

I think the series is great. I mean who likes Bam Margera and the CKY crew will like the series.

Best episodes: Fort Knoxville Viva la Europa

The Best part of "Jackass" stretched into a half hour of fun!

[coolguy5090 · 27 October 2003]

In "Viva La Bam", we get to see Bam Margera pull pranks on his dad for a half-hour. And surprisingly, you can't stop watching it. The first episode consists of Bam ironing pictures of hamburgers onto all of his dads clothes, building a firpole in his home in the middle of the night, and turning his house into a skate park. It's the way Bam does these things, it's almost like he feels there can be nothing more productive than what he's doing, that makes the show so entertaining. That side, it's one of the funniest shows I've seen all summer, and I hope they put out a DVD.

This show kicks.. donkey =D

[kimiisyomastuh · 10/10 · 19 June 2006]

I love love love this show. Whether you say it's because I'm insane in the brain or not. I think this show is very funny and entertaining although sometimes Bam's uncle Vito scares me.. so all in all I give this show a perfect review. And so I really think if you're into the "omg.. what an idiot " kind of humor, this show is for you. It's really funny to see the look on the prank peoples faces and there are many musical guests who come to Bam's house. Buy this cause it rocks! You should buy it. yes. And Bam's brother is in the band CKY and they are really good and sometimes come on the show.

Bottom line is.. please watch the show.

Best Spin Off Ever

[brendanjeffrey · 10/10 · 7 September 2006]

Viva La Bam was one of those shows that I didn't have high if any expectations for, before seeing it, and I never even knew about it until I saw my friend watching it. I had thought Jackass was pretty funny but the stunts were just that, funny and I never really got into the show. When I watched Viva La Bam for the first time it was the complete opposite effect, I loved it. It had more of a TV Show feel to it, which a lot of the "Reality Shows" have today. I was hooked and I wanted to see what new scheme they were going to cook up for each episode. All the way to the last episode it held my interest and even though some of the ideas seemed rehashed at times, it always had a newer and funnier twist to it. Viva La Bam is one of those shows that get you hooked and I have yet to see another show that is quite like it.

CKY2K > Bam Margera

[ajmarker · 1/10 · 14 December 2009]

Anyone remember the first CKY, CKY2K etc..? Back when it was about making crazy cool stuff, rather than watching Bam Margera act like a douchebag, spoiled 5 year old, super/rock-star wannabe.

The show used to be awesome, however, Bam's fame and wealth has led him to believe, that we now enjoy him acting childish and idiotic, more than actual cool stuff, that used to be in ex. CKY2K.

The acts are so repetitive, there's like nothing new, except annoying stupidity and rehearsed comments... The only things we see is Bam Margera, so busy showing us how much he doesn't care, how much money he got or whatsoever.

I really got nothing much left to say except, give us back CKY2K, cause Bam suck..

I enjoy watching Steve-o, Knoxville etc. a thousand times more.

A fun temporary escape from reality

[lbeachy-63674 · 10/10 · 13 March 2019]

I grew up watching this show! The seasons of random, spontaneous acts of laughter and entertainment was so gratifying to watch. From Bams mischievous ways of treating his friends and own family members to his wreckless behavior. You also can't make a comment without mentioning Don Vito. Half the time you couldn't understand what he was saying but that's what made it so humorous. RIP to both Don Vito and Ryan Dunn, you guys both made me and my friends laugh for hours and hours. Man I miss this show.

By far the worst show ever to appear on TV!

[Mojnmand · 1/10 · 31 July 2007]

This is by far the worst and most stupid show I have ever seen on TV. It is almost physically painful to watch an adult (well in his twenties) doing nothing but torture and mock his parents, who always seem to have no clue what so ever about the stunts they are forced to endure by their dimwitted son and his equally stupid friends. Of course I know his parents are in on it, but I really hate how they always act like they are caught completely by surprise. It seems fake through and through. And I really hate the intro of the show, in which a voice over asks "Bam Margera, what WILL he think of next?!?!" (I think that's how it is, anyway), and Bam himself answers: "Whatever the f^*k I want!" - WOW! Bam is really a hell raiser - living at home with mum and dad! -of course the word "f^*k" is replaced with a tasteful beep, but we get the message. Bam is the real deal rebel - at least in his own eyes. Of course Bam and his posse of numb sculls aim at an audience of teenage boys, and of course it's a MTV show, but please, raise the bar a little. It's painfully predictable and stupid, and therefore nothing but boring.

Dream of Torturing your folks, you'll love this!

[Andy-861 · 12 May 2004]

Viva La Bam beats Jackass and Wildboyz with a stick! It is simply just something like you've never seen before. Bam is of course rich from being a pro-skater and a Jackass star but this is the best yet.

Bam is simply a genious when it comes to crazy ideas, with is house and torturing his parents, over the first series we've seen Skateboards, Firepoles, Rock shows, Buldozers, Axes, Gambling, Fat people, cars, Reunions, Half-pipes, Scavenger hunts, Mail-order brides, Draw-bridges, Destruction, Elephants, Don Vito, Abandonment, Bees, The Bloodhound Gang , 30 ft. Tunnels, Screams, Laughter and Compton ass Terry! And that's just the first series!!!

If you catch Viva La Bam on the tube I would seriously suggest watching it, I personnaly think that there has not been a bad episode, but be warned when the show starts it is pretty difficult to change the channel.

In closing, Viva La Bam I now consider one of the funnest shown on all television, It's gonna be a real shame if this gets taken off the air, so enjoy it while it lasts!

Best show ever

[ChelsGlee · 10/10 · 17 June 2007]

OMG, it is seriously the best show in the world. It rocks harder then Jackass and CKY and is so funny and entertaining. I love the show. All 5 seasons are awesome but for a quick summary: Season 1:- Great if you wanna plan a scavenger hunt, watch the house be pulled apart and enjoy seeing Phil bing starved.

Season 2:- Great if you wanna see them buy Castle Bam, watch a slayer concert, see the wonder that is Mardi Gras and the fun of getting to it, see a demo derby and actually see a the making and opening of a Tree Top Casino.

Season 3:- Great if you wanna see probably the first Driveway Skatepark, a civil war, Johnny Knoxville, a pirate ship and Don Vito actually winning one of Bam's reindeer games.

Season 4:- Great if you wanna see them in Europe, them getting Jobs, the building of a State and a bayou and The Dudesons Season 5:- Great if ya want to see them in Brazil, Ape's Birthday, Mike Vallely, The Metal Mulisha, Bams Lambo disappearing, Bams Hummer being destroyed, a playboy party in bams swimming pool and the very Last ever Viva La Bam :(

"Viva la Bam"

[Face_teh_Dark · 2/10 · 27 February 2006]

VIVA LA BAM This "Jackass" spin off focuses on the (obviously scripted) adventures of Bam Margera and his pals (Johnny Knoxville, Brandon Dicamillo, etc). This show, while it has its fair share of gross-out comedy and crazy stunts, focuses mainly on Bam's torturing of his parents.

I'm sorry to say this, Bam, but... you're in no way as cool as you think you are. This ego tripped show is not only painfully unfunny (and yes, I liked Jackass), but also narcissistic beyond belief. The overly stylized intro ends with Bam coolly explaining that he's going to do "whatever the f***" he wants to. How about you do something that is actually funny? I liked "Jackass" for what it was worth. The camera-work was horrible - any idiot could have made a better show with a camcorder in their parents' garage - but at least the show moved at a steady pace and never felt boring between the crazy, dangerous or simply disgusting stunts the pals performed.

Not so with "Viva la Bam". We follow our hero around as he plays pranks on his friends and tortures his relatives, but never does it feel like anything else than really lame and scripted comedy. The stunts and pranks are mildly entertaining, but presented in such a tedious and dull fashion that they can barely make you smile.

"Viva la Bam" is a poor spin-off of that does little good but feed Margera's already too big ego. I don't recommend this lame and unimaginative show to anyone.

About as dumb as a reality show can get.

[TOMNEL · 3/10 · 16 January 2009]

Bam Margera of the Jackass fame is back with his own reality show, and not only is it not as funny as Jackass, but it's also amazingly stupider! This has to be one of the dumbest shows ever conceived. Sure there are worse reality shows but none are as mean spirited or as dumb.

Bam Margera has made it big, and his parents decided to piggy bank off of his fame. Bam and his parents, his uncle, his crew of idiotic friends all live together, and while Bam and his buddies are off breaking things and getting into mischief, generally his parents are at home being stupid. When Bam's parents aren't at home being lazy, they're being tortured by Bam, especially his father. To add to the humor, we are treated to his fat uncle Don Vitto who is constantly out of it, and never paying attention.

This show really is like a toned down version of Jackass...toned down in that there aren't dangerous/painful stunts, instead Bam and his buddies just go break stuff, and do lame stunts, and meanwhile loud music plays to make it all the more awesome. This is not funny in the least. I can't imagine a dumber show than this because there is not an ounce of intelligence found here.

If you are a big fan of Bam Margera, and want to see one of the many follow up/cash-in sequels to the Jackass series.

My rating: * out of ****. 30 mins. TV14

Can't take my eyes off the screen

[yankee9483 · 14 November 2003]

This is by far one of the funniest shows on MTV. I kept my attention alot more than Jackass did. This is ten times better than Jackass was. Its the best part of Jackass put into its own show. This show is the BEST!

dumb white kids doing dumb white stuff

[rockorbe2002 · 3/10 · 2 May 2010]

the title of my review says it all. while jackass was funny in not just the stunts, but the perceived randomness of the stunts themselves. viva la bam, on the other hand, is reduced to the same bland stupid things rich suburban kids do on their spare time. except they get paid for it, of course. definitely not a good example for the kiddies, especially when, among other things, you have a dad who gets beat up by his son constantly, a drunk, morbidly obese, unintelligible, and just gross uncle, and you have your main character wreck his own lamborghini. it turned into your typical teen dumbass show. suddenly i want to go rent both jackass movies.

The very small chuckles don't last.

[vyhle · 2/10 · 31 July 2007]

I have not watched every jackass episode. It was mildly entertaining if nothing else was going. But after watching Jackass #2 i was fond of Bam and Dunn. They had a nice attitude in the movie jackass so i figured i'd tune in on viva la Bam. Boy was i mistaken. Seriously, you could pair a bunch of 2'graders, provide them with the same budget and i bet they could knock off something more creative on the screen. I mean, C'Mon MTV!! At 23 where most people are tuned in you give us this rubbish.

Everything seems so forced. You don't know the characters because there's no attitude at all. You can't appreciate Bam or Dunn, or anyone for that matter. If there would just be a tiny tiny doze of thought. Anything we won't forget as soon as next shot goes on.

They finally manage to create a good shot and you like whats going on. You sit there, just waiting for their reaction, and then some jerk closes the scenes with two lame sentences and bang. Was that the close for that shot or what, please?. If i had been there i would freak out and laugh. Do some insane stuff and have my adrenaline pumping but these guys... Just scripted stupid reactions.

Yes they get a few chuckles of the audience by cheap gross jokes, or gigantic jokes which in my opinion are such a waste of cash.

Many many normal humans which was not taken under the Jackass wing could in a heartbeat write a far funnier script. Or impress with visual camera work. Even spontaneous wannabe cool guys without a script would pull of a better job. MTV could in a whim bring more soothing material on the screen. You just need to fire the writer of this stupid show.

Some scenes actually require a bit of courage and therefore 2 stars.

Bam is god!

[dootuss · 4 January 2004]

This is easily the best show that currently airs on MTV. This is a spinoff show off of Jackass starring Bam Margera who in each episode torments his parents, and does all kinds of crazy stuff along with fellow Jackass cast members such as Ryan Dunn, and Raab Himself. Overall, it's the best!

10/10

Awful

[Kasper_and_Ghosts · 2 August 2005]

Viva la Bam is awful.

Bam comes off as a spoiled brat. Not hip or cool. Picking on his friends, dad, and mom. Sure its "All in fun" but if anything was ever done too him "Its pay back". So he's a bully thats comes off as a fake rebel. With a fashioncore attitude and "Fake rebellion". This show should be great with teenagers 13-17, living at home with their parents. Ungrateful for life and anything given to them.

Viva la Bam is poorly written and pretends to be random and crazy! MTV is a generation destroyer. They put these false idols on TV and kids will follow anything that pretends to be "different" & "cool".

"Be like Bam kids! You'll be unique" yeah... right...

Good, but repetitive

[Ed_lover · 1 October 2004]

When Viva La Bam premiered on MTV, I was quite excited about it. It was a funny and inventive show with unique concept. And I liked Bam, his parents and his friends as characters. The first season was strong overall, but it already hinted at the problem the show has: It's just very repetitive. There are only so many things you can do with this kind of reality concept, and it doesn't hold your attention anymore, once you've seen several episodes.

When the show started, I was puzzled about whether the show was "acted" or if it was all for real. I think it's obvious by now that Viva La Bam is indeed a scripted and acted show. Reactions often seem forced, and the more you watch the show, the easier it is to see all the seams.

All in all it's a pretty good show, but I can't get excited about it anymore. It's too repetitive, and has very little replay value. Hopefully Bam will move on the other things soon, because Viva La Bam is getting a bit stale.

the greatest show on mtv

[occupation_foole · 19 December 2003]

When I seen MTV airing promos for this show during the VMA'S I was excited and could hardly wait for the show to start.I have been a fan of Bam's since watching Jackass.He just started to really drive his mom crazy since the Jackass movie but has always picked on his dad.I love to watch him fight his dad and if you want want to see even more of his fights with his dad check out the CKY videos.They also have alot of the types of the things you would see on Jackass.

Bam and the gang are the BOMB

[caseyandhaydn · 6 November 2005]

Viva La Bam! What can i say, if you don't like the show than don't watch it. I think this show is hilarious, who wouldn't enjoy annoying their parents, enjoying yourself in the process and making a packet at the same time.

Bam's parents may seem like they get the rough end of the stick, but they really do enjoy the shenanigans that go on. Phil and April are always involved in the action, and as for Don Vito as disgusting as he is, he really plays an instrumental role in the show (who else's car's are they going to trash) I find the show is light hearted entertainment, which really does require a brain to think of the stuff they come up with. I would move into the West Chester castle any day. Keep up the "hard" work guys......its surely takes your mind off the depressing news headlines that control our lives. YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE!!!

10/10

decadent

[mavritius · 19 October 2004]

"Viva la bam" is a portrait of today's USA decadence. The show displays lack of values, disrespect and arrogance, in other words, a vivid portrait of youth in the USA. It is a lame statement, nothing anyone can be proud of, both of making as of seeing. The cast and crew lack of any values. Parents unable to display any shame on the upbringing of their son, friends permissive and decadent as the main "character", a portrait of social and moral decay is displayed, in all, this show is not worth seeing. This is a 100% USA product, tasteless and without value, designed entirely to produce money by exploiting and promoting the "indifferent" culture of youth in USA.

One of my favorites

[steph_hhh83 · 12 March 2006]

This is one of my all time favorite shows. Too bad it's over. I enjoyed watching every episodes. Some more than others. The first 3 seasons are my favorite. The 4th one was okay. The 5th was good too. I still like the 1st the best, because you can tell it was made more original. The Scavenger hunt was my favorite one of all. Ryan Dunn is one of my favorite's on there besides bam, of course. Woundn't be great to have parents like April and Phil? Not a crazy sick uncle like Don Vito. I like when they go to other towns and countrys. The lost episode was pretty weird too. I own all of the shows on DVD. I am glad they do a bonus DVD with each season. I would rate this show 10 out of 10!

The new MTV shtick.

[vertigo_14 · 30 August 2005]

"Vive La Bam" is the new trend of MTV's moron shows. True, you can find humor in the antics of people overpaid to hurt themselves and others with the perpetual mentality of infants, which Bam, his crew, his parents, and especially the revolting Don Vito do well. And, you can't seem to promote this show unless you use someone connected to skateboarding...enter Bam Margera. He's funny, the show can be funny, but like Wildboyz, it can get real old, real fast. There's only so much outrageousness audiences can endure before becoming completely saturated in the stupidity and repetition before searching for something new (hence, the reason for MTV's follow-up shows that tried a new generation of Jackass-like amateurs).

Bam is a permanently spoiled brat who lavishes the attention that his lackees (Ryan Dunn, Raab, and others) willfully give him as he finds one disaster after another to annoy and prank his friends and family. (Although, no matter how ridiculous things get, Phil always looks like he's enjoying himself). His entire life is a lavish party. The same for his friends and his family (even though "Ape" emptily complains all the time and braindead Don Vito takes pride in being the most devolved person on the planet).

I'll admit that there have been a few days where I enjoyed the Vive La Bam marathons, but once you've endured them and become completely saturated in the idiocy, things can get real old real fast. I didn't hate it then, but I find little entertaining about it now (as for the rest of the MTV lineup similar to these like Wildboyz).

But what I'd really like to know is--outside of this show--how did Bam Margera become the iconic skateboarder?

Mama's Boy!!

[Hazel-Eyes-Dreaming · 31 July 2005]

I haven't started watching the show from the beginning but MTV and MTV2 show so many reruns I'm up to speed. I've noticed that in the beginning Bam didn't care about who's feeling he hurt or who's stuff he ruins including his mom, but this season I've noticed that he's picking on Vito the most. He's definitely lighting up on his mom which I think is a good thing. I especially liked the episode when it was Ape's birthday. That was nice of him to do that for her. Also I hope that China set that was in Ape's grandma's cabinet that got ruined in the first season, wasn't the real one because that's messed up especially since Bam didn't try to stop them. Anyway I'm glad he's showing some respect for his mom now, but it's still hilarious when he does mess with them!!!