Parents' Guide to

Shear Madness

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Sheep reality gets into the nitty gritty of farm life.

TV NatGeoWild Reality TV 2014
Shear Madness Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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What's the Story?

SHEAR MADNESS is a reality series starring Natalie Redding, a former model who left city living behind to run a sheep farm in Temacula, California. The owner of Namaste Farms breeds high quality livestock that produces premium wool. When not spending her time feeding, watering, and doing what she has to do to keep her sheep and goats healthy, she shears the animals and sells the fleece to clients looking for high-end fibers. Helping her run the farm is her husband Sean, the son of famous hair stylist Jheri Redding, and their five children, Roanie, Dane, Connery, Jory, and Jade. Occasionally she leaves Namaste to perform minor surgeries on other farmers' livestock, or to go to fairs to look for perfect additions to her own livestock family. There's never a dull moment, but it's a life that Natalie and her family truly enjoy.

Is It Any Good?

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

While Natalie Redding's background makes her somewhat of an interesting character, most of the show's focus is on the work involved in running and sustaining a farm as a primary source of income. It also highlights how vulnerable these businesses are are when things like illness and other issues affect their livestock.

It's not the most action-packed show, but it does attempt to liven things up a bit by showing animals being sheared, castrated, or put down. Animal lovers, as well as folks who are interested in learning more about how sheep farming works, will definitely find it interesting.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about farming. What is the difference between a crop farmer and an animal farmer? Is the importance of what they do and the various challenges they face often highlighted by the media? Why or why not?

  • What are the reasons people are featured in a reality show? Is it someone's personality? The uniqueness of their job? The stories they have to tell? If you were to create a reality series about yourself, what are the things you would highlight to make it interesting?

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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