Parents' Guide to The X-Life

TV VH1 Reality TV 2011
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Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 14+

Reality show combines extreme sports, relationship drama.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 14+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

THE X-LIFE follows three extreme athletes as they risk injury and financial stability to make a living competing in their sport. Viewers watch as professional BMX rider Corey Nestazio, freestyle motocross rider Jeremy Stenberg, and pro skateboarder Pierre-Luc Gagnon practice, compete in professional tours, and balance their roles as husbands, boyfriends, and, in some cases, fathers. The series also shows how their girlfriends and wives support them from behind the scenes. Staying at the top of their game isn't easy, but they're all determined to continue doing what they love to do.

Is It Any Good?

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

The X-Life offers a limited look at how athletes make careers out of competing in extreme sports. It also highlights the ongoing challenges that come with this career, including dealing with aging, keeping up with younger competitors, and recovering from serious accidents and injuries.

There's plenty of focus on sports, but the drama mostly comes from the relationships between the athletes and their girlfriends/wives. As a result, there are plenty of voyeuristic moments full of mild arguments and sexual innuendo. Some extreme sports fans may find something here, but if they're looking for major sports action, they should look elsewhere.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about extreme sports. What makes a sport "extreme"? How did activities like skateboarding and bike riding become major sports? Do women participate in these kinds of sports? If so, why don't we see more of them in the media?

  • Are the people in this show role models? Why or why not?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

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What to Watch Next

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