Life of Ryan - TV-PG

Teen skateboarding star balances fame and family.

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Common Sense rates it
3
Seen the show?
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details
  • TV Rating: TV-PG
  • Network: MTV
  • Cast: Ryan Sheckler, Gretchen Sheckler, Randy Sheckler
  • Genre: Reality TV
  • >Available On: Download

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality series about teen celebrity skateboarder Ryan Sheckler is among the tamer of MTV's offerings. The show does highlight the teen relationships and upper-class materialism typical of MTV, but it also features positive parent-child relationships and a strong work ethic. Skateboarding, family, friendship, and dating are central themes of the show, and divorce is also prominently discussed (Ryan's parents have split).

Families can talk about what it would be like to be a child or teen celebrity. What kinds of things make it difficult for young celebs to live a "normal" life? Is it realistic to think that they can? Do some young stars seem more approachable or relatable than others? Why? Families can also talk about divorce's impact on a family. How can kids cope with changing family dynamics when their parents begin to live separate lives? How can things like holidays and special events be dealt with positively? How does the media generally portray divorce? Is it accurate?

Message

Social Behavior:

Despite his fame, Ryan's very grounded and hardworking. He's very close to his family and friends and is a mentor to his younger brothers. The Sheckler parents are very hands-on, and both are seen talking with their kids and setting boundaries. Mom Gretchen sometimes turns to Ryan for post-divorce emotional support. As Ryan's manager, she tries to keep her son focused on his career. The people on the show are primarily Caucasian and upper class.

Consumerism:

Skateboarding labels, including Sheckler's own, are prominently featured, as are products like iPod, Range Rover, and Red Bull. The show introduces popular music from bands like Angels and Airwaves and Switchfoot.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

Some minor pushing and shoving between the Sheckler brothers (in the context of normal sibling rivalry).

Sex

Some boy/girl flirting and kissing. A lot of Ryan's focus is on finding a girlfriend.

Language

Lots of surfing and skateboarding lingo, plus occasional mild words like "hell."

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Melissa Camacho

MTV's coming-of-age reality show LIFE OF RYAN follows skateboarding phenom Ryan Sheckler as he tries to balance his successful skateboarding career with a normal teenage life. At 13, Ryan became the youngest person in the skateboarding world to go pro. Now 17, he continues to successfully promote his athletic skills, as well as the many products that bear his name. But while he enjoys his successful and lucrative career, Ryan also wants to enjoy the life of a normal teenager. Ryan also has to cope with his parents' recent divorce and their subsequent ability (or inability) to move on with their lives. It doesn't help when his mom, Gretchen, sometimes blends motherhood with managing Ryan's career.

Is it any good?

3
As far as role modeling goes, Ryan is a hardworking, grounded guy whose family plays a visible and positive role in his life. But while Life of Ryan features some of the typical teen drama and upper-class materialism that other MTV teen reality shows revolve around, the show actually features some positive messages as well. In the end, it's really about a talented, sensitive celebrity teen who works for the luxuries he enjoys and who finds his strength in the people -- not the things -- that surround him.

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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 5 reviews.

0

Posted on 04/20/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

gayest show ever!!!

ryan sheckler is so gay, he is 18 and he cries during his show because his parents divorced 3 years ago.he is sooo gayyyyyy!!!!!!
5

Posted on 01/06/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 13

heg what up

your
4


Posted on 01/03/08 by lindsey122 Kid contributor, age 13
5

Posted on 10/23/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 16

Ryan Sheckler is hott

he is just about the hottest guy in the world and even my mom thinks hes cute so that is why i watch it and it is a really good showw
5

Posted on 09/03/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 17

i love it

it is a good show about pro stakebonder ryan shecher

Adult Reviews

There are 1 reviews.

0

Posted on 04/20/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

gayest show ever!!!

ryan sheckler is so gay, he is 18 and he cries during his show because his parents divorced 3 years ago.he is sooo gayyyyyy!!!!!!

Kids Reviews

There are 4 reviews.

5

Posted on 01/06/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 13

heg what up

your
4


Posted on 01/03/08 by lindsey122 Kid contributor, age 13
5

Posted on 10/23/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 16

Ryan Sheckler is hott

he is just about the hottest guy in the world and even my mom thinks hes cute so that is why i watch it and it is a really good showw
5

Posted on 09/03/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 17

i love it

it is a good show about pro stakebonder ryan shecher
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Surf
40%
Homework and research
15%
Download music
6%
Chat with friends
40%
53 votes