Heartland Thunder

Review

Common Sense Media says

Racing reality show is a little too edgy for young kids.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

Find out more

Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

Find out more

Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although this series will appeal to car and car racing lovers, its strong language and focus on personal rivalries makes it an iffy pick for younger kids. Expect frequent use of words like “hell,” “crap,” and “ass”; stronger choices -- like "f--k" and "s--t" -- are also used often, but they're bleeped out (and the speakers' mouths are blurred). There are also plenty of high-speed crashes, and drivers occasionally engage in  unsportsmanlike behavior (yelling, screaming, pushing, shoving).

  • Positive messages0
    The series portrays the dirt-track racing culture as one that supports rivalries and conflicts between racers. 
  • Positive role models0
    Some of the racers aren't particularly good sports -- and some are actually known for their unsportsmanlike behavior. There's not a lot of diversity among the people featured on the show.
  • Violence2
    Cars often crash at speeds of 120mph. The death of a racer is discussed. Heated arguments before and after races often result in yelling, pushing, and shoving. Justin Boney often drives recklessly around the track, which leads to crashes.
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language3
    Frequent strong language; words like “hell,” “crap,” and “ass” are audible, and while stronger curses -- including “f--k,” “s--t,” and “goddamn" -- are bleeped, with the speakers' mouths blurred.
  • Consumerism2
    While off the track, the drivers drive Ford trucks and Nissan cars. Tim Karrick’s race car is covered with his local sponsors’ logos.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
CloseExpand to see more details

What's the story?

HEARTLAND THUNDER follows four modified dirt-track racers during the racing season at Kansas City’s Lakeside Speedway. The drivers -- including welder Tom Charles, his hot-tempered son Dan Charles, Tim Karrick, and Justin Boney -- spend all of their free time and money modifying cars and preparing for their Friday night races. Their love for the sport, as well as the long-standing rivalries between them, keeps each committed to becoming the fastest racer of the season.

Is it any good?

 

Heartland Thunder presents an interesting look at the dirt-track racing culture, which defines itself as a blue-collar pastime that celebrates fast cars, high speeds, and big egos. As a result, the show includes lots of discussions about the cost of outfitting the racers' cars, as well as high-speed crashes and unsportsmanlike conduct -- both on and off the track.

People who like cars and racing will probably be drawn to the drama on display here, as well as the behind-the-scenes excitement during the actual races. But what they'll probably appreciate the most is the passion that the featured drivers have for the sport -- as well as the sacrifices they make to participate in it.

Sign Up Message
Sign up for our weekly newsletter
Each week we send a customized newsletter to our parent and teen subscribers. Parents can customize their settings to receive recommendations and parent tips based on their kids’ ages. Teens receive a version just for them with the latest reviews and top picks for movies, video games, apps, music, books, and more.
Please enter an email address.
Please check your email address for possible typos.
Sorry, you must be 13 or older to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Sign me up!

What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about sportsmanship. What does it mean to be a good sport?

  • Does athletes' sportsmanship impact the way that sports are played? How
    does it impact the way that a sport is viewed
    in the media?

  • Are the drivers featured in this show good role models? Why or why not?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Parent
July 11, 2011
AGE
10
 
Hard work
Hard work is the message this sends to kids. Work hard and you can achieve anything.
Was this review useful?
Helped me decide (8) | Had useful details (9) | Read my mind (8)
Flag as inappropriate 
See all user reviews
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-14
Network:Discovery Channel
Cast:Dan Charles, Thom Charles, Tim Karrick
Genre:Reality TV
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

Review It

Share your review with others

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Other high-speed picks
For kids who love fast, furious fun
Browse more TV
 

vote now

Will you see Heartland Thunder?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 
More from Common Sense Media
Age-appropriate reviews
Top advice and articles

Been There? Tell us about it