The Kentucky Kid
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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 this mostly mild documentary-style reality series includes live-action footage of fast-paced MotoGP (motorcyle) racing. Some serious accidents are featured; many of them resulted in injuries, but the wounds themselves are never shown. Parents may need to remind kids that the featured riders are trained professionals who only race on professional courses. Expect some language (mostly "damn" and "hell"), with stronger words like "f--k" bleeped out.
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What's the Story?
THE KENTUCKY KID is a documentary series (kicked off by a feature-length film) that chronicles the life of MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden. Racing since the age of 3, the motorcycling champ from Owensboro, Ky., travels the world to compete in the MotoGP circuit. From France to Qatar, he races at speeds of over 200 mph in order to secure a spot on the winner's podium -- every race he wins puts him one step closer to winning the coveted MotoGP World Championship. Only a week after a disastrously crashing out of a race, Hayden amazed fans by winning the 2006 MotoGP World Title. Unfortunately -- as the series documents -- holding on to the title proved difficult; new rules, smaller bikes, and bad tires have plagued his 2007 MotoGP season. Race after race, the \"Kentucky Kid\" struggles to stay in the competition but never loses his motivation to win the 2007 Championship.
Is It Any Good?
Despite some crash footage (no actual injuries are shown) and some iffy language (the strongest words are bleeped), this mostly mild reality doc is an interesting look at the world of professional motorcycle racing. Racing fans will be drawn in by Hayden's story, as well as the live-action race footage. But the best part of the series is the down-to-earth Hayden, who stays true to his Kentucky roots and his family no matter where he goes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about MTV's two styles of reality shows -- those like this one, which are more like real documentaries, or wild-and-crazy series like The Real World. Which do you like better? Why? Why do you think MTV continues to broadcast both kinds of series? Families can also discuss the sport of MotoGP racing. How is it different from other kinds of motorcycle races? Why is it more popular in Europe than the United States? What kind of skills do you need to become a professional racer? What are the dangers? How do racers get sponsors to offset their costs?
TV Details
- Premiere date: November 16, 2007
- Cast: Nicky Hayden, Roger Hayden, Tom Hayden
- Network: MTV
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 24, 2022
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