Tools for this page
Print

Online Nation

(Rated NR, Reality TV, Starring Stevie Ryan, Rhett McLaughlin, Lincoln Neal, Where to watch: CW)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    User-generated videos jump from Web to TV.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Some videos are clever, while others feature behavior that's silly, bizarre, and/or potentially offensive (in other words, just like what you see online). Some clips include racial stereotypes. One animated piece shows an animated Britney Spears flipping what appears to be her middle finger; another features someone illegally deceiving the DMV. While most stunts featured are mild, some (like a human catapult) could result in injury if attempted in real life.

  • Violence:

    Includes spoofs of people being hit by cars, having various other accidents, punching, pushing, and being held up. Guns (presumably fake) and fake blood are visible in some of these clips. Some dangerous stunts (like a human catapult) are shown.

  • Sex:

    Some videos contain hugging, kissing, and sexual innuendo. References to events like Britney Spears not wearing underwear in public. Occasional shirtless men (but not women).

  • Language:

    Words like "hell" and "damn" are audible; stronger choices, like "f--k," are bleeped.

  • Consumerism:

    Some brands (like Mentos) are shown/featured; others have their labels blurred out. Celebrities like Britney Spears and popular icons like Batman are often parodied or spoofed.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Alcohol, including beer and pictures of mixed drinks, is featured in some of the video clips.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Online Nation

Parents need to know that this interactive TV series features video clips from various Web sites, as well as snippets from videos uploaded onto the show's own site. While some of the clips are fun (and at times very sophisticated), others are silly, shocking, and just plain weird -- exactly like what teens see on the Internet every day. Content varies widely and can include celebrity spoofs, fake blood and prop guns, and potentially dangerous stunts (a human catapult, for example).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the nature of the content featured on the show. Why do people spend so much time making videos and putting them on sites like YouTube? Is it an attempt to get their 15 minutes of fame or just for fun? What makes videos like these so appealing? Would you consider making and posting one of your own? Why or why not? Families can also discuss online videos in general. Is there too much "inappropriate" content on the Web? Who decides what's appropriate when it comes to the Internet? (For our Internet safety guide, click here.)
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Online Nation?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 12+
    Fame (2009)

    Fame (2009)

    Teen musical remake has edgy content for a PG movie.

  • Advice for Parents

    How to Upload a Video to YouTube

    How to Upload a Video to YouTube

    Video creativity is easier than you think.

  • Book of the Week

    Age 13+
    Shiver

    Shiver

    Does for werewolves what Twilight did for vampires.

  • Most Popular This Week

    Family Gaming

    Family Gaming

    The Fab Four generation is about to go gamer. Yeah, yeah, yeah!

  • Sound Check

    Age 2+
    "All Is Love" (CD single)

    "All Is Love" (CD single)

    Indie music star gives soundtrack single quirky appeal.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.