Skating with Celebrities - TV-PG
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that skaters are seen slipping and falling in the footage of their practices leading up to the performance. Later episodes feature footage of bad falls, bloody scrapes, and large bruises. Occasionally, in the practice tapes, a skater mutters a mild curse in frustration. Some of the costumes are a little skimpy. After each performance the skaters are critiqued, sometimes severely, and scored by panel of judges.
Families who watch this show can talk about the amount of practice, discipline, and perseverance it takes to be able to participate in this sport. Does the show accurately portray the amount of hard work that's required to succeed? Also, families can talk about how it might feel to receive a low score and then how to bounce back for the next performance. In addition, there's not much diversity in the group of skaters, hosts, and judges, so families can discuss whether or not they think this is a fair picture of professional ice skating.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Pam Gelman
Strategically premiering right after the hit American Idol comes another reality show, SKATING WITH CELEBRITIES. Very similar in concept to Dancing With the Stars, celebrities are paired with professional skaters but this time judged solely by the panel of skating experts over seven weeks. They are judged on technical and artistic merit, and starting with week two, the pair with the lowest score is eliminated.
Celebrities range from former child stars to past Olympic medalists to sportscasters. Clearly some of the celebrities have had skating lessons in their youth. But this is a great show to share with kids, especially those still trying to find their own extracurricular niche. Kids will learn about sticking with a challenge, cooperatively working with a partner, and the benefits of practice, practice, practice.
Skating has always had its own following, and having the fabulous Dorothy Hamill as one of the judges certainly will delight skating fans. Other judges include John Nicks, the current coach to U.S. skating sensation Sasha Cohen, and skating journalist Mark Lund. Still developing their on-air personalities, these commentators try too hard to be engaging. Hosts Scott Hamilton and Summer Sanders try especially hard, fawning over each skater's performance.
In the first go-around, Bruce Jenner at age 55 has stepped up to be paired with another 1976 Olympian, Tai Babilonia. With chronically injured knees and no skating background, Jenner is a striking example of why this show sends a good message to kids. He demonstrates that you never know what you're capable of doing unless you try.
Though skating may not be everyone's sport -- even as a spectator -- Skating with Celebrities sends a healthy message to kids about trying something new, learning from critiques, and the importance of having a good time.
Those who can't get enough of B- and C-list celebrities may also enjoy Armed & Famous, Celebrity Fit Club, and Dancing with the Stars.
Rate It!
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual ContentSome skimpy, tight fitting, and short outfits worn by women. Contestants are described as "sexy." |
 |
|
|
|
ViolenceFootage of bad falls, bloody scrapes, and large bruises. |
|
|
|
|
LanguageOccasional mild profanity such as "damn" when a skater falls. |
|
|
|
|
Message |
|
|
|
|
Social BehaviorSkaters have to cooperate to be successful and safe. They must work hard and practice lots. |
 |
 |
|
|
Commercialism |
|
|
|
|
Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco |
|
|
|
|
