 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Caged
- MTV
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Docuseries mixes amateur fighting with relationship drama.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this reality series about career mixed martial arts fighters includes lots of risky behavior, including heavy drinking and fighting while injured. It has scenes of young men training for and competing in full-contact combat, which often results in serious injuries (broken bones, etc.). There's also some strong language ("piss," "crap," "bitch"; stronger words bleeped) and sexual innuendo. Death, single parenthood, and alcoholism are also themes. Viewers of all ages should be reminded that the moves featured here can cause serious injury and shouldn't be attempted without the supervision of trained professionals.
What's the story?
CAGED follows young amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters as they negotiate their cage-fighting careers with the trials and tribulations of life in the small town of Minden, Louisiana. Viewers meet Wesley Branch, who's trying to balance fighting, fatherhood, and his relationship with his ex-girlfriend Jessica; Matt "Danger" Schnell, who has given up his job and moved back home in order to train in hopes of proving himself to his family; Tony Kelly, who's working hard for a professional contract; and Daniel Payne, a young fighter struggling with the tragic death of his girlfriend and a reputation brought on by his privileged upbringing. Their week days are full of work, training, and day-to-day problems, but on Saturdays they try to push it out of their minds when they're locked in a cage and engaging in full-contact combat. For them, it's not just about winning the match, but winning recognition, respect, and, in some cases, the chance to build a better life.
Is it any good?
Caged takes a voyeuristic look at the lives of small-town MMA fighting hopefuls and combines typical reality narratives about love and relationships with MMA fight drama. The show highlights how some young men are looking to build careers out of the sport, while others are turning to the cage thanks to a lack of viable alternatives to keep them out of trouble or to cope with the pressures of their daily lives.
Regardless of the reasons, these young men are driven to win, even if that means taking drastic measures like fighting with broken bones or spending hours in dangerously overheated environments to sweat off pounds a few hours before a qualifying weigh-in. Teen MMA fans may find it entertaining, while others may simply find this particular small-town lifestyle interesting to watch.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about mixed martial arts. What are the roots of this style of combat? What's the regulating body that sets the rules for these matches? Do you think this series offers a real look at what MMA is really about?
Researches have noted that there can be a negative impact on children who are exposed to too much violence in media. But what about watching regulated athletic events like boxing or mixed martial arts? What are the differences between watching violent events on television and fighting for sport? Parents, how can we make those distinctions?
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| Topics: | sports and martial arts |
| TV rating: | NR |
| Network: | MTV |
| Cast: | Daniel Payne, Matt Schnell, Wesley Branch |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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