Tools for this page
Print

Toughest Race on Earth: Iditarod

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Martin Buser, DeeDee Jonrowe, Bruce Linton, Where to watch: Discovery Channel, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Mushers, dogs go up against nature; viewers win.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The Iditarod mushers are highly competitive and push themselves and their dogs to win, but there's very little unsportsmanlike behavior or cheating. In fact, there's plenty of camaraderie between the racers, and they often note that in the very harsh climate of Alaska, where even a small mistake can have fatal consequences, there's a strong ethos of looking out for one another. The mushers are also devoted to their dogs and often discuss how much they rely on these very impressive creatures. The majority of the featured mushers are men, but at least one woman participates.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Some dogsleds overturn during the race, but there's not much damage to the sleds, mushers, or dogs.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Some choice words escape during the heat of competition, including "s--t" and "f--k," though they're few and far between (and bleeped when they do occur).

  • Consumerism:

    The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race has many sponsors whose names and logos are frequently visible, including Wells Fargo and Cabelas.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    One musher is a diabetic and discusses his need for insulin.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Toughest Race on Earth: Iditarod

Parents need to know that the title of this reality series is no understatement. The annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is one of the sporting world's most challenging adventures, and the men and women who sign on are a fascinating, diverse bunch united by a shared love for their dogs and a willingness to push themselves far beyond the normal limits of human endurance. There's some (generally bleeped) swearing, and the race's corporate sponsors' logos get a good bit of airtime, but in this competition, there's little time for sleep, much less romance or drinking.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about competition and cooperation. The mushers are all pushing hard to complete the grueling race, but they also frequently mention how they watch out for one another. Would you do the same? Where do you draw the line between cooperation and competition? Would that line move one way or another if the prize was bigger -- or smaller? How does this behavior compare to fictional cross-country races in movies or on TV?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Toughest Race on Earth: Iditarod?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Age 7+
    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Must See TV

    Age 13+
    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Download This

    Age 3+
    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.