Shaq Life
Basketball star's reality series has laughs, good messages.
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Shaq Life
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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 Shaq's Life is an unscripted series starring retired NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal. There's some cursing, and occasional arguing and innuendo. and drinking. There's also lots of brand visibility, ranging from Papa John's and Apple, to local businesses in Los Angeles and Atlanta. Racism is sometimes discussed, and some episodes deal with the death of loved ones.All this being said, it is positive and upbeat, and offers lots of strong messages about family, mentorship, and the importance of giving back to the community.
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What's the Story?
SHAQ LIFE is a a reality series featuring NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal as he lives his post-NBA life to the fullest. The four-time NBA champion is retired from professional basketball, but manages to keep himself busy. In between his work as a sports commentator, parenting, UFC training workouts, and sitting on the board of Papa John's restaurant company, he's also an EDM dj who tours the world as D.J. Diesel. Shaq also spends a lot of time giving back to his community, and supporting his extended family.
Is It Any Good?
This lighthearted unscripted series follows Shaquille O'Neal as he pursues a variety of business and career ventures, trains in mixed martial arts, raises his children, and finds ways to use his status and money to give back to those who need it. Cameras also follow as he negotiates his controversial role as a spokesperson and board member of Papa John's, after its (now former) CEO admitted to making racist comments. Shaq Life is certainly a promotional vehicle for O'Neal, but thanks to his generosity, down-to-earth personality, and narrations by Samuel L. Jackson, and later, Snoop Dogg's humorous voice overs, it's easy to look past this and find it entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about unscripted series. Why are they so popular? How do they function as promotional vehicles?
Does Shaq's Life give a realistic look into Shaq's day-to-day activities? Are things orchestrated for entertainment purposes?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 23, 2022
- Cast: Shaquille O'Neal, Samuel L. Jackson, Snoop Dogg
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Friendship
- Character Strengths: Communication, Compassion, Gratitude, Integrity, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: October 13, 2022
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