Parents' Guide to

Heartland Thunder

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Racing reality show is a little too edgy for young kids.

TV Discovery Channel Reality TV 2010
Heartland Thunder Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 1 parent review

bummy
bummy Adult
July 11, 2011
age 10+

Hard work

Hard work is the message this sends to kids. Work hard and you can achieve anything.

This title has:

Great messages
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

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

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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