Heartland Thunder
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that although this series will appeal to car and car racing lovers, its strong language and focus on personal rivalries makes it an iffy pick for younger kids. Expect frequent use of words like “hell,” “crap,” and “ass”; stronger choices -- like "f--k" and "s--t" -- are also used often, but they're bleeped out (and the speakers' mouths are blurred). There are also plenty of high-speed crashes, and drivers occasionally engage in unsportsmanlike behavior (yelling, screaming, pushing, shoving).
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What's the story?
HEARTLAND THUNDER follows four modified dirt-track racers during the racing season at Kansas City’s Lakeside Speedway. The drivers -- including welder Tom Charles, his hot-tempered son Dan Charles, Tim Karrick, and Justin Boney -- spend all of their free time and money modifying cars and preparing for their Friday night races. Their love for the sport, as well as the long-standing rivalries between them, keeps each committed to becoming the fastest racer of the season.
Is it any good?
Heartland Thunder presents an interesting look at the dirt-track racing culture, which defines itself as a blue-collar pastime that celebrates fast cars, high speeds, and big egos. As a result, the show includes lots of discussions about the cost of outfitting the racers' cars, as well as high-speed crashes and unsportsmanlike conduct -- both on and off the track.
People who like cars and racing will probably be drawn to the drama on display here, as well as the behind-the-scenes excitement during the actual races. But what they'll probably appreciate the most is the passion that the featured drivers have for the sport -- as well as the sacrifices they make to participate in it.
Talk to your kids 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 that a sport is viewed in the media?
Are the drivers featured in this show good role models? Why or why not?
TV details
- Premiere date: June 21, 2010
- Cast: Dan Charles, Thom Charles, Tim Karrick
- Network: Discovery Channel
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-14
- Available on: Streaming
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