Wait 'Til Next Year
Teen drama plays out in football-themed reality show.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
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 Wait 'Til Next Year is an MTV docuseries featuring lots of football-related activities and some edgy, teen-oriented reality. Some of the team's activities (like using a teammate as a target for ball practice) can be considered hazing (though no one seriously gets injured). The language can get strong ("piss," "ass," "damn"; "f--k" bleeped), and there's lots of kissing between both gay and straight couples, some suggestive dancing, and references to losing one's virginity. A few story lines include drugs; a teen is arrested for selling pot, and there's a parent who gets high. CoverGirl is a sponsor of the show, and lots of brands make appearances.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
WAIT 'TIL NEXT YEAR is a reality series featuring the Lincoln Park Railsplitters, a Michigan high school football team that has the distinction of losing 43 games in a row over a five-year period. Adding to their luck is the fact that their football stadium is now condemned and being torn down. But this team, including quarterback Naeem, fullback Ed, and players like Tyler, Cody, Christian, and Dakota, are determined to break their losing streak with the help of Jim Kalbfleisch, aka Coach Kalby, who has left retirement to whip them into shape. Meanwhile, cheerleaders like Amanda, Samantha, Danielle, and Ashley are determined to perfect the squad to build the team's morale. They're all also working hard to improve their game off the field as they work out their various relationship issues.
Is It Any Good?
Wait 'Til Next Year offers a voyeuristic and somewhat humorous look at an awkward football team that wants to rise from holding the record for the longest losing streak in Michigan history to being triumphant winners. In-between the drama on the field is some expected reality fare, including broken hearts, love triangles, and other relationship issues. Traditions in high school football culture also are highlighted.
Young football fans and reality viewers will be drawn to the likable group. But, although the show is more entertaining than uplifting, some of the narratives also touch on a few of the very serious problems these kids face in their home lives. In the end, it shows how their efforts to win aren't just about the game but are an attempt to prove to themselves that they have the power to overcome even those situations that seem hopeless.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about high school football culture in the United States. Why is having a strong football team so important for people? Is football important at your school? Does your school have any special football traditions?
How realistic is the action you see here? Do you think the things these kids do or the way they treat each other in front of the camera are how they really act on their own time?
Why do you think this team has its own reality show? Is it because they're known for their losing streak, or is it because they're trying to do something about it?
TV Details
- Premiere date: November 1, 2013
- Cast: Amanda Baser, Jim Kalbfleisch, Naeem Ruffin
- Network: MTV
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: High School
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: October 14, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Friday Night Lights
Poignant football drama scores; OK for teens.
-
Invincible
Inspiring sports-underdog story for tweens and up.
-
Remember the Titans
Inspiring football drama brings history to life.
-
The Blind Side
Syrupy sports drama uplifts but glosses over deep issues.
For kids who love sports
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate