Let's Just Play Go Healthy Challenge (Nickelodeon)

Seeing real kids make lifestyle changes may very well motivate young viewers to make their own changes, and the show does a good job of getting viewers excited about the prospect of having more energy, feeling better, and being able to participate in a variety of activities. Better yet, it makes the changes seem possible. But the reality is that not every tween or teen who wants to participate in this challenge will have family support and guidance -- too many adults in the United States are clueless about nutrition and the importance of exercise, and they aren't about to change their ways, even for their children. That's where the online component of the Healthy Challenge can help, to some degree; the Web site includes a message board where kids can support each other and share tips. It's not a perfect substitute for parental guidance, but it's something.

It should be noted that while the show's young male host, Werkheiser, is energetic and fun to watch, his co-host, Cosgrove, seems to be just going through the motions and reciting lines, as if she's being forced to do the show and isn't really "into" the challenge. In future seasons, the series might benefit from a bit of recasting -- perhaps someone a bit warmer and more engaging. Overall, though, Nickelodeon and Let's Just Play Go Healthy Challenge have admirable intentions -- if the show can truly help instill lifestyle changes in young people, it may create a healthier new generation.