Go to time out, kids.
In 2007, CBS
In today’s society, it’s impossible to imagine a powerful reality TV big shot separating kids from their parents, their homes, and their childhood comforts and depositing them in poorly-conditioned areas. Mostly because there actually is a powerful reality TV big shot separating kids from their parents, their homes, and their childhood comforts and depositing them in poorly-conditioned areas in today’s society, but at least this show doesn’t use the Bible to justify its controversial act.
So that was Kid Nation. Does it hold up? Of course not, and that’s sad.
There are a lot of opinions on this show that stuck with me ever since I first reviewed it on a weekly basis back in 2007. Not just my negative views on its problems, but also my disappointment in the concept, because there was a seed of idea that could’ve made this work. Relying on the new generation to revitalize our society is something that we do need around here today, and I like how this show put its heart in the right place. Reality shows with kid-oriented casts can provide a more earnest and authentic outlook on reality, such as Masterchef Junior. In its best moments, Kid Nation proved that to be true. However, it’s not the best example of that. Its network is too corporate for it to avoid being contrived, the kids they chose are too much of a mixed bag to feel for them, and the premise was way too big of a vision for producers to fully execute. With such a limited time for filming and broadcasting, the expectations were way too high, and by the end, you feel kind of let down by how far it actually went. There are actually some small heartwarming moments with a positive note that you’ll find here and there, but it’s too scattered all over the place, and it’s a nation that I recommend you don’t try to live in.
Hopefully, there’s someone out there that can try that concept of kids living in a camp of sorts and do the execution a lot better. Oh, there already is a show like that in existence? Tell me more, Mickey Mouse.
Reality TV Guide 