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I Want to Look Like a High School Cheerleader Again

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Jay Johnson, Jenn Brown, Lin Johnson, Where to watch: CMT)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 12.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Body-image issues are nothing to cheer about.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The former cheerleaders -- all now between the ages of 27 and 45 -- are trying to look like they did in high school. The focus is on losing weight over creating a healthy lifestyle. Many of the women are embarrassed by their bodies; these self-esteem issues aren't addressed. Body types and age-related physiological changes aren't discussed or accounted for. Jay refers to the women as "girls." Some catty behavior between women, although they're mostly supportive of one another. The cheerleaders are primarily Caucasian; two women and Jay are African-American.
  • Violence:

    Jay Johnson occasionally yells in the women's faces as a motivation strategy.
  • Sex:

    Women wear midriff-revealing sports bras and shorts for weigh-ins. Discussions of sexiness are usually in the context of not feeling attractive.
  • Language:

    Mostly mild language like "hell." Occasional stronger swear words are bleeped out.
  • Consumerism:

    Reebok fitness equipment visible; the winner gets a Reebok home gym. The Johnsons' Fitness Bootcamp company logo is visible on hats and T-shirts. Some recognizable popular songs can be heard in the background.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About I Want to Look Like a High School Cheerleader Again

Parents need to know that although this reality series highlights the hard work that goes into getting fit, the focus is on losing weight and looking good rather than positive, healthy, long-term lifestyle changes. Some of the women clearly struggle with body-image issues and poor self-esteem. There's also some language (mostly mild) and fitness-related product placement.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the relationship between body image and the media. Why is thin so in -- and how do the sculpted celebrity images we see in the media affect our perceptions of our own bodies? Families can also discuss physical fitness. Is losing weight the most important reason to exercise? What if you exercise and don't lose weight? Is it realistic to expect adults to strive to look the way they did when they were teenagers? What messages does that send about body image and self worth?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 1.0

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