Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Swimmer's redemption docu lacks depth, has cursing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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In Deep with Ryan Lochte
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Narrated by Patton Oswalt, IN DEEP WITH RYAN LOCHTE follows 12-time Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte as he journeys toward making the 2020 U.S. Olympic swim team. After Lochte caused a scandal by lying about being robbed at gunpoint during the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he lost millions of dollars in sponsorships, and his reputation. Now married and a father, he wants to show the world that he is a much better person, and still one of the world's greatest swimmers. But the 35-year-old is the oldest American swimmer vying for a place at the Olympics in Tokyo, and must compete against younger swimmers who have far fewer responsibilities. The postponement of the games thanks to the global COVID-19 pandemic is only making the situation harder. But Lochte is determined to redeem himself, and hopes to end his career as a champion, rather than an international embarrassment. The series also features interviews with Lochte's father and former coach, 2016 NBC Olympic correspondent Billy Bush, and Lochte's wife, Kayla Rae Reid.
Is It Any Good?
This awkward documentary offers a four-part tale of redemption that attempts to show how much Ryan Lochte has changed for the better since his drunken antics at the 2016 Rio Olympics. There are some interesting career details, including the races he's won, the records he's broken, and how his media persona, which was created to be the polar opposite of Michael Phelps', misrepresented his commitment to the sport. It also shows archived footage of what transpired on and after the infamous night that Lochte and friends went drinking in Rio de Janeiro, and reveals the long-term consequences his actions have brought for him, his now-wife Kayla, and his overall reputation in and outside of his sport.
In Deep with Ryan Lochte paints a likable enough picture of the swimmer, but he lacks the public speaking skills necessary to articulate his thoughts on camera in any real depth. Meanwhile, the fact that Lochte returned from his post-Olympic suspension only to be suspended from competitive swimming for 14 more months after posting a picture of himself getting a Vitamin B12 intravenous infusion on Instagram makes you question his ability to make smart decisions. As a result, you may find yourself wishing him the best, but not really convinced that he has what it takes to make it to his fifth Olympics.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the purpose behind In Deep with Ryan Lochte. Is it to make the swimmer appear sympathetic? What do you think viewers are supposed to come away with after watching it?
How can you talk to your kids about the athletes or celebrities they look up to when they make very public mistakes? What if they publicly try to do better afterward?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 15, 2020
- Cast : Ryan Lochte , Patton Oswalt , Kayla Rae Reid
- Network : Peacock
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 5, 2022
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