Parents' Guide to

The Michael Vick Project

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Fallen NFL star attempts to restore his family name.

TV BET Reality TV 2010
The Michael Vick Project 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?

THE MICHAEL VICK PROJECT follows NFL player Michael Vick as he starts his life over after serving two years in prison for a dog fighting conviction. Vick -- along with his fiancée Kijafa, brother Marcus, and other family members -- openly discusses his illegal dog fighting activities and the negative impact they had on his family before and after serving his sentence. Cameras follow as he attempts to restore his family name by giving back to the African-American community through mentorship and service -- and works on rebuilding his professional football career.

Is It Any Good?

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

The series, which is essentially a promotional vehicle for the fallen football hero, allows viewers to hear the player's descriptions of his past mistakes, which are made more poignant in contrast to the sensational details surrounding his crime and conviction. It also shows him taking responsibility for his actions and proactively making positive changes in his life.

There's a sense that Vick is trying a little too hard to remake himself as a likable and sympathetic character in front of the camera. And it doesn't help that the show features reenactments of past events and downplays the cruelty suffered by the animals as a result of Vick's involvement in dog fighting. But if you can get past this, you'll find a show about someone who's been given a second chance and who's using that chance to do something constructive for himself and the people around him.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether or not celebrities who've made mistakes and/or committed crimes should return to the media spotlight. Do you think celebrities who've made public mistakes can serve as positive role models once they face consequences?

TV Details

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