Karma
By Ashley Moulton,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Doing good pays off in super-positive teen competition show.
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Karma
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What's the Story?
18 teens ages 12-15 are dropped into the wilderness with no internet, devices, or family in KARMA. They compete in teams of two in Survivor-style physical and mental feats in order to win the title of Karma Champion and a prize of $50,000. The show revolves around the concept of karma (what goes around, comes around). The plot of each episode emphasizes how everyone benefits when players use teamwork and do the right thing, and how players with lesser moral character do less well in the competition. The contestants are teens from all over the U.S. who come from diverse cultural backgrounds and have varied interests and hobbies. Inevitable interpersonal conflict enters the competition, but instead of leaning into the drama, the contestants show examples of talking to each other with honesty and vulnerability.
Is It Any Good?
Similar to shows like Masterchef Junior and American Ninja Warrior, kids and parents will enjoy watching this wholesome reality show together. The contestants are great role models and show lots of perseverance as they overcome challenges. Kids will be inspired by seeing fellow young people succeeding in really tough mental and physical feats. While Karma is a competition, and tensions do arise, the contestants handle the situations with openness and maturity (adult reality stars might learn a thing or two from watching). The show also does a great job of reflecting real-life tough stuff like friendships, romantic relationships, and self esteem. While content is appropriate for younger kids, they might not love the teenage relationships (both romantic and platonic), but teens and tweens will find it all most compelling.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Talk to your kids about a time they think they experienced karma -- when they did something positive and good things followed or when they did something negative and bad things followed.
Some of the contestants don't treat their competitors fairly. How did this hurt them? How did this help them? What would you have done in that situation?
The teams are named after laws of karma (inspiration, connection, patience, giving, humility, growth, focus, responsibility). Did any of the contestants show any of these characteristics? Did they show other character strengths like integrity, perseverance, or teamwork? When?
Which contestants did well without their success being at the expense of other people? How can you follow their example?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 18, 2020
- Cast: Michelle Khare
- Network: Max
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Adventures , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 27, 2022
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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