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Toughest Cowboy

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Tommy Joe Lucia, Where to watch: Spike)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Reality rodeo show features wild rides, rough language.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Presents rodeos and extreme riding as a very male-dominated sport. The cowboys are expected to be "tough" but also to treat the sport with respect. A 35-year-old competitor is considered "old" by the other riders.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    The riders fall often -- and hard. Blood is sometimes visible. Injuries range from broken legs to concussions; some cowboys ride with separated ribs and broken bones. Paramedics are shown administering aid to hurt riders.

  • Sex:

    The "Toughest Cowboy Rodeo Girls" entertain crowds and competitors with dancing and tight-fitting outfits. They often bare their midriffs.

  • Language:

    Terms like "jackin' around" and "dang" are common. Words like "hell" are sometimes audible, while stronger curse words like "f--k" and "s--t" are bleeped.

  • Consumerism:

    The series (and the Toughest Cowboy Tour) is sponsored by Jagermeister beer. Brand logos like Coca-Cola and Home Depot are also visible. The show also features music by the band Whisky Falls.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Visible beer drinking; some riders chew tobacco.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Toughest Cowboy

Parents need to know that while this reality series about extreme rodeo riders offers viewers a chance to learn about the sport and the culture that surrounds it, it also shows lots of people getting injured (concussions, broken bones, etc.). There's also some drinking, scantily clad "rodeo girls," and plenty of strong language, ranging from words like "hell" to bleeped-out choices like "f--k" and "s--t." Teens will probably be able to handle it, but it's an iffy choice for tweens.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the culture and folklore surrounding cowboys. How have cowboys been depicted in film, TV shows, and commercials over the years? Do you think these portrayals are accurate? Have cowboys been stereotyped by the media? Families can also discuss why people choose to become involved in stock riding and rodeos. Is this sport only for men? Are there female rough stock riders? If so, why don't we see them on television?
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