Shaq's Big Challenge (ABC)

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.

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.

TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: ABC
Cast: Shaquille O'Neal
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: ABC