Karma
Kids say
Based on 2 reviews
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Karma
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Karma is a feel-good reality competition TV show where kids age 12-15 compete for the title of "Karma Champion" and a $50,000 prize. The show features 18 aspirational teens from diverse backgrounds with varying interests and talents. They compete in Survivor-style physical and mental challenges, but they're never in any physical danger. Besides the ages of the contestants, another thing that separates this show from adult reality shows is that, in the words of YouTuber host Michelle Khare, this show is "not win at all costs, it’s do good or go home.” Players are rewarded for doing the right thing, because as the title suggests, what goes around comes around. The contestants on the show do engage in some mild drama and flirtation (because: teenagers), but they model talking through interpersonal conflicts with respect and openness.
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What's the Story?
18 teens ages 12-15 are dropped into the wilderness with no internet, devices, or family in KARMA. They compete in teams of two in Survivor-style physical and mental feats in order to win the title of Karma Champion and a prize of $50,000. The show revolves around the concept of karma (what goes around, comes around). The plot of each episode emphasizes how everyone benefits when players use teamwork and do the right thing, and how players with lesser moral character do less well in the competition. The contestants are teens from all over the U.S. who come from diverse cultural backgrounds and have varied interests and hobbies. Inevitable interpersonal conflict enters the competition, but instead of leaning into the drama, the contestants show examples of talking to each other with honesty and vulnerability.
Is It Any Good?
Similar to shows like Masterchef Junior and American Ninja Warrior, kids and parents will enjoy watching this wholesome reality show together. The contestants are great role models and show lots of perseverance as they overcome challenges. Kids will be inspired by seeing fellow young people succeeding in really tough mental and physical feats. While Karma is a competition, and tensions do arise, the contestants handle the situations with openness and maturity (adult reality stars might learn a thing or two from watching). The show also does a great job of reflecting real-life tough stuff like friendships, romantic relationships, and self esteem. While content is appropriate for younger kids, they might not love the teenage relationships (both romantic and platonic), but teens and tweens will find it all most compelling.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Talk to your kids about a time they think they experienced karma -- when they did something positive and good things followed or when they did something negative and bad things followed.
Some of the contestants don’t treat their competitors fairly. How did this hurt them? How did this help them? What would you have done in that situation?
The teams are named after laws of karma (inspiration, connection, patience, giving, humility, growth, focus, responsibility). Did any of the contestants show any of these characteristics? Did they show other character strengths like integrity, perseverance, or teamwork? When?
Which contestants did well without their success being at the expense of other people? How can you follow their example?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 18, 2020
- Cast: Michelle Khare
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Adventures, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Integrity, Perseverance, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 27, 2022
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