 | 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. |
Shaq's Big Challenge
- ABC
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
NBA star takes focus away from kids' weight loss.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the kids in this reality weight-loss series are subjected to tough, in-your-face talk from the team of professionals trying to inspire them, often reducing both them and their parents to tears. Their physical efforts are also disparaged, with the experts calling them "pathetic" and "terrible," both to their faces and in private. That said, the criticism they face is rooted in fact, as all of the kids are obese (some morbidly so) and on their way to a lifetime of health problems. It's unlikely that your kids will be inspired to change their own habits just because of this series, but it might open their (and your) eyes to the seriousness of this countrywide epidemic.
What's the story?
SHAQ'S BIG CHALLENGE follows six tweens who have accepted a challenge from NBA great Shaquille O'Neal to turn around the unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits that have led them to become morbidly obese. Over a six months, four boys and two girls are encouraged to follow strict diet and exercise regimens; their progress is monitored by a team of health professionals. Shaq is motivator and spokesman, while his personal trainer and physician, Dr. Carlon Colker, helps him devise a game plan for the challenge. A nutritionist, a childhood obesity expert, a chef, and athletic trainers also help create a program that will inspire the kids' commitment. The series also highlights Shaq's involvement in pushing for healthier food choices and mandatory physical education in schools.
Is it any good?
While well intentioned, there's too much focus on drama and emotion, the kids' failures are subjected to hurtful comments, and viewers are left wondering what goes on when the cameras go off. But the biggest problem (literally) is the tall man at the center of it all. The series often seems to be more of a resume-builder for Shaq than anything else. He gets plenty of camera time to toot his own horn about how, despite his being "one of the world's greatest athletes," he relates to these kids and can understand their pain.
The show also makes some bold claims about the country's apparent indifference to the problem of childhood obesity, while positioning Shaq as some type of super-hero come to save the day. Really, does celebrity status have to override the efforts of the common folk regarding this issue, too? You might want to check out the show if this is an issue your family is facing and you need some inspiration. But avoid using it as a motivational tool, since pointing fingers at the overweight subjects and reminding your kids that they don't want to wind up like that could instigate a whole new host of problems.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about how the show approaches the important issue of childhood obesity. Do you think it makes a clear, effective point? What other ways could the experts approach the issue with the kids? Why is obesity such a problem, anyway? What role does the media play in our food consumption and lifestyle habits? Do you think there should be limits on the advertising and endorsements that junk food companies and fast food restaurants can do? Why or why not? (Read more on the issue.) Families can also discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
This was a serious topic for our youth to really examine
I am proud of Shaq for showing that he cares for our youth. They need to see a person who is a public figure reach out to the common teenager. They need role models who can tell them the truth, speak out and help them, they need it. A lot of our youth are careless about what they eat, what they watch on tv, the kind of games they play. I was impressed with this show, I hope that it continue but some of the choice words used could have been changed, kids need an example of using proper language in all circumstances, even when they are frustrated or angry. I am a living example of it being raised in a godly atomsphere, where my parents didn't use bad words. It can be done but the real issues for this show were really good.
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
I Didn't eat dessert and I continued to exercise
Great show anything said in the show was the reality of life and being overweight. These kids and many more needed to be pushed until they had momentum to do it themselves. The combination of nutrition, discipline,exercise and friendship is awesome. School personnel and Shaq's experts combine for good solutions. A weaker approach would equal to weak results.
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
It's about time
I'm glad that a star has taken issue with the fact that obesity has reached epidemic porportions and out goverment has done little to address the problem.
I agree that PE should be brought back into the school system, from pre-school through 12 grade. Junk food, such as candies, cookies and sodas should be banned from all school campuses. Create healthier choices and include nutrition as a required subject in Junior high School AND High School.
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
I liked this program because the mentors did not try to put a pretty face on this issue. They made the dangers of obesity clear and precise. They conveyed that it takes much hard work and effort for obese children to achieve their goals. They also showed what can be achieved with hard work and gave these kids some hope.
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
Great show
A bit scripted, but you can tell that Shaquille's feelilngs for the kids are genuine. The kids are awesome. A good subject matter that all parents should be aware of.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | ABC |
| Cast: | Shaquille O'Neal |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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