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Cowboy U

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Rocco Wachman, Judd Leffew, Where to watch: CMT)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Reality goes West -- and lassos some stereotypes.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 10–13

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Some gender stereotyping of women as materialistic and prissy.
  • Violence:

    Wrangling cows, bulls, horses. Some contestants appear genuinely frightened performing drills.
  • Sex:

    Female contestants talk about missing material items used to enhance appearance (clothes, makeup, etc.).
  • Language:

    "That really sucks," "ass," "boobs," etc.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Contestants drink beer at dinner.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Cowboy U

Parents need to know that this reality show's Rocky Mountain setting is gorgeous, and the cowboy hosts are the real deal. But there's plenty of gender stereotyping, with the female contestants portrayed as materialistic and prissy. (In one episode, a woman leaves because she can't tend to her blond extensions -- why was she picked in the first place? Also, why not say that the winner will be the best cowboy or cowgirl?) While it's good to watch adults step outside their comfort zones and push themselves to succeed at something new, between the show's language, the presence of guns, and the cowmale-centric message, kids under 10 years should watch and discuss with an adult present. Worth noting: Kids who are concerned about animal welfare might be upset by the ritual of bull riding and scenes of calves being chased, caught, and dressed in panties.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about gender stereotyping. How are cowboys typically portrayed on television and in the movies? Are all cowboys rough-and-tumble? Why aren't there more female ranch hands -- or female hosts? Also, are the female contestants depicted differently in the competitions than the guys? Given that much of the ranch work is physical and requires strength, is the stereotyping at all valid? Parents can also point out the courage and determination of the contestants, who are trying something new and somewhat intimidating.

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

    I laughed!!

    I really like cowboy U and look forward to it every season. Im a cowgirl so I ride horses and do all the chores all the time, and Im bull ridin' now also, the city folk for sure have the guts to come on national television and look retarted at times and be completly funny, the reason why its funny for me is because I do those things everyday so its just funny to watch them try and do it!!! Thanks Amy T.!!!

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