 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Madhouse
- History
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Car racing reality show features unsportsmanlike behavior.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this NASCAR-focused reality series is likely to appeal to kids who like cars and racing, but the show’s emphasis on the rivalries between the drivers makes for some iffy content. The drivers engage in unsportsmanlike behavior -- including hurling insults, punching each other, and purposely ramming other drivers' cars -- and the language is pretty strong, too (“bitch” is audible, while curses like “s--t” and “f--k” are bleeped).
What's the story?
MADHOUSE follows four NASCAR modified racecar drivers -- Tim Brown, Chris Fleming, Junior Miller, and Burt Meyers -- during a summer racing season at North Carolina’s Bowman Gray Stadium. In each episode, the drivers and their friends and families spend endless hours and thousands of dollars optimizing and repairing their cars in preparation for that week’s race. In between working in the garage and driving laps around the track, they struggle to earn the money to finance their participation in the sport. Meanwhile, the drivers also spend time talking up the historic and volatile rivalries that exist between them and their families.
Is it any good?
Madhouse looks at NASCAR racing from the perspective of people who are extremely passionate about the sport. It offers some explanation about what goes into modified racecars to improve their speed and handling on the racetrack and looks at race rules and procedures.
While the show does provide some insight into the NASCAR racing culture, the drivers spend too much time fueling the rivalries that exist between some of the racing families. Insults and threats are frequent, and accusations of “playing dirty” lead to fistfights, brawls, and arrests. Kids who like cars and racing will be drawn to the show, but it doesn’t send very positive messages about the sport and/or sportsmanship in general.
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 a sport (and the athletes who play it) are viewed in the media?
What are some of the stereotypes associated with NASCAR driving/drivers? Does the media perpetuate these stereotypes? How? What about this show specifically?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Real Racing
I go every Saturday night when the season is in and it is ten times more fun than nascar. They actually let them race a Bowman Gray.
If you don't like Bowman Gray racing then you really don't understsnd the History of the sport and maybe you should watch Golf.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
THIS SHOW IS GREAT FOR ALL AGES!!!!
I LOVE IT! And my family watch it EVERY Sunday night. And are planning on FREQUENTLY Visiting the track this year.. We are 3 hours away. We have 3 children. BUT THAT IS FINE!! I saw where someone was complaining about the language.. Well, on daytime tv they use the cuss word "GD" and that is offensive to me. BUT people say nothing about it. SO the word "BTCH" is NOT ok by the publics standards. PLEASE! And VIOLENCE "OMGOSH" WHAT do you see on PRIMETIME TV. AND GET OVER IT! There are fights in almost all shows these days. There are sports figures that are on DRUGS and everything else. And the public is very willing to continue to purchase their garb. SO these guys are men RACING! And spending their hard earned $$$ and time. LEAVE them alone. THis show is GREAT!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I love it!!! I never miss a Saturday when it is racing season. My 6 year old son loves it, he doesn't miss a race either. If you don't like the show because of things you hear then you shouldn't turn your tv on either.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I love the way it shows real life. You have to work hard and have a good family to compete.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
probly for 6,7,8 or older kids
I love this she and im really am 12 years old. My Uncle Bob races at uticarome speedway in ny vernon and they only say a*s or like h*ll or dam its a good show it shows kids to stand up for there self
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
GO-Jason Myers!
LOVE it!!! It's a show that we sit down as a family to enjoy every Sunday Night :)
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
It is what it is.
Having grown up around short track racing, I can testify that Bowman Gray stadium is a bit over the top on its tolerance of "beatin' & bangin'", but History Channel has taken some artistic license in portraying it as more front-and-center than it really is. I do know that kids I've known who have grown up around racing are way more responsible and mature than churchianity types who think that playing mind games and passing judgment are what life is about. Most viewers miss the fact that Bowman Gray stadium doesn't allow or serve alcohol in any form, and the show displays some very genuine Christian behavior from Junior Miller, who professed Christ around 2001 or so. Thumbs up all the way for this one!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
best show on tv
I think that this is the best show on tv right now. I havent missed an episode yet. On this site they talk about how the drivers show "Bad Sportsmanship" I think that seeing a real fight unfold on tv is one of the things that make this show the best
Was this review useful?
|
|
| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | History |
| Cast: | Burt Meyers, Junior Miller, Tim Brown |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
