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Life of Ryan

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Ryan Sheckler, Gretchen Sheckler, Randy Sheckler, Where to watch: MTV, DVD, Download)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Teen skateboarding star balances fame and family.

updated 04.20.09

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    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.
 

What to watch out for

  • 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."
  • 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.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Life of Ryan

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).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 0.0

    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!!!!!!

  2. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Anonymous
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    heg what up

    your

  3. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

  4. Teen Reviewer
    Age 16
    Anonymous
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    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. Teen Reviewer
    Age 17
    Anonymous
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    i love it

    it is a good show about pro stakebonder ryan shecher

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