The X-Life
Reality show combines extreme sports, relationship drama.
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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 extreme sports fans may be drawn to this series, but its extensive iffy content makes it a questionable choice for kids. It contains lots of salty language ("ass," "crap," hell"; curses like "f--k" and "s--t" are bleeped), strong sexual content (including references to STDs and blurred nudity), heavy drinking, and catfights. Product and sponsor logos like Osiris, Mercedes-Benz, and Mountain Dew are frequently visible.
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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?
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
- Premiere date: January 10, 2011
- Cast: Corey Nastazio, Jeremy Stenberg, Pierre-Luc Gagnon
- Network: VH1
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: September 20, 2019
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