Parents' Guide to

Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Physically grueling races fun to watch, feature teamwork.

TV NBC Game Shows 2016
Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge Poster Image

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What's the Story?

SPARTAN ULTIMATE TEAM CHALLENGE, a series created by the folks who brought you American Ninja Warrior, is a reality competition featuring 36 teams competing for $250,000. Its's set in the hills of northern Georgia, and the teams, each consisting of two men, two women, and an elite Spartan racer, face off in heats and elimination rounds during which they must use every ounce of speed, strength, and endurance to get through massive obstacle courses. The winners of each elimination round goes on to the finals and compete for the cash. Hosts Dhani Jones and Kyle Martino offer commentary throughout the competitions. From crawling through mud under sharp barbed wire to trying to get the entire team up and over a massive slippery wall, teams work with and stand by each other to make it to the end.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (3):

This fun, high-energy series gives viewers a chance to root for people who are giving it their all to complete (and win!) physically grueling competitions. The profiles it offers about each team, and what inspires its members, also give the overall show some heart.

It's not particularly original, but those who enjoy elite physical competitions will appreciate the training and effort put into these races. But it's easy for audiences to appreciate the positive messages the show sends about the importance of teamwork.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the reasons why people compete in these kinds of physically challenging competitions. Is it really about the money? Or is it about achieving personal goals? Is there any danger associated with training and competing in these challenges? Can anyone do it? Or are these challenges really designed for more elite athletes?

  • Reality shows are often vehicles for product and service promotions. Why? How can we separate the entertainment offered by a show from the advertising and marketing in it?

TV Details

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