Parents' Guide to

Life on a Wire

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Kids might be tempted to copy family of stunt performers.

TV Discovery Channel Reality TV 2011
Life on a Wire Poster Image

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What's the Story?

LIFE ON A WIRE features stunt performer Nik Wallenda, the 7th generation of the legendary high wire artists known as the Great Wallendas, as he plans and performs daredevil acts designed to entertain audiences and break world records. With the help of uncle and engineer Mike Wallenda, and his safety coordinator and father, Terry Wallenda, Nik uses science, skill, and discipline to create and execute death-defying stunts like riding a bicycle on a cable suspended over 200 feet in the air and walking the world's longest high wire, all without safety harnesses or nets. Also helping him with his feats are mom Delilah and wife Erendira. There's lots of hair-raising moments, but at the end of the day it's all part of the family business.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

The series offers an interesting look at what goes into some of the most spectacular stunts ever performed. It also offers a rather tense look at the Wallenda family legacy, which includes some tragic stories of failed stunts and the fatal fall of great grandfather, Karl.

Nik offers some limited explanations about what inspires them to continue the family tradition, but often does so while voicing his concerns about safety, and how his family would be affected if he got hurt or killed. As a result, his antics sometimes feel irresponsible and selfish rather than inspiring. Viewers will no doubt root for Nik as he works on perfecting his act, but they may also be wondering why he risks his life to do them.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about stunt performers. What drives them to do the things that they do? How do they cope with the knowledge that they could be injured or die if a stunt goes wrong?

  • Knowing that people may try to imitate them, is it socially responsible to showcase stunts like these in the media? What is the difference (if any) between a stunt show like this, and a show like Jackass?

TV Details

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