Watch Kid Nation
- TV-PG
- 2007
- 1 Season
-
7.0 (1,789)
Kid Nation was a reality show from CBS that aired in September 2007. The show ran for 13 episodes, and each episode was an hour-long. The show was aimed at kids and focused on a group of 40 children aged between 8 and 15 who were given the task of building their own community from scratch.
The show was hosted by Jonathan Karsh, and the cast included Laurel McGoff, a 10-year-old girl from Detroit. The show took place in Bonanza City, New Mexico, which was a ghost town. The children were split into four different groups or districts - Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow - and they were tasked with building their own society without any adult supervision.
The aim of the show was to give children a sense of independence while also teaching them about teamwork, leadership, and responsibility. The children were responsible for everything from cooking and cleaning to farming and construction. They were also given challenges and tasks each week, such as building a chicken coop or creating their own currency.
One of the most controversial aspects of the show was the lack of adult supervision. The children were left to manage themselves, and although there were adult supervisors on set, they did not interfere with the children's actions. This meant that the children were free to solve any problems or conflicts that arose on their own.
Another controversial aspect of the show was the prize. The children were competing for a gold star worth $20,000, which was awarded each week to the child that demonstrated the most leadership and responsibility. Some critics felt that it was inappropriate to offer such a large prize to children.
Despite the controversy, the show was well-received by audiences. Many praised the show for its focus on teamwork and leadership and its positive portrayal of children. The show also sparked discussions about children's independence and responsibility and raised questions about how much freedom children should be given.
Throughout the show, viewers watched as the children struggled to build their own society. They faced a range of challenges, from water shortages and food shortages to disagreements and conflicts between the districts. However, they also showed incredible resilience and determination as they worked to overcome these obstacles.
In addition to the challenges, the children also had to deal with their own personal struggles. Many of them missed their families and found it difficult to be away from home. Laurel, in particular, struggled with homesickness and found it hard to adjust to life in Bonanza City. She often talked about how much she missed her parents and her friends back home.
Despite the challenges, the children also had a lot of fun. They formed strong friendships and created their own traditions and customs. They celebrated birthdays, held talent shows, and even had their own prom.
Overall, Kid Nation was a unique and groundbreaking reality show that offered a glimpse into what children could achieve when given the freedom to build their own society. It was controversial, yes, but it was also inspiring and educational. The show remains a cult favorite among those who watched it, and it will forever be remembered as a defining moment in reality TV history.