Kid Nation

Watch Kid Nation

  • 2007
  • 1 Season
  • 7.1  (1,772)

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.

Kid Nation
Filter by Source
No sources available
Seasons
We've All Decided to Go Mad!
13. We've All Decided to Go Mad!
December 12, 2007
The first season finale arrives with the group facing a challenge to keep the town running after discovering the job board has been destroyed. The kids will all face three more challenges in which a gold star will be rewarded for each, worth $50,000. The series ends with some of the kids in tears as they receive a heart wrenching surprise.
Where's Bonanza, Dude?
12. Where's Bonanza, Dude?
December 5, 2007
While the town council members make a visit with the local Native Americans, the sheriff of Bonanza City takes the opportunity to take control of the town.
I Just Like the Recess Part
11. I Just Like the Recess Part
November 28, 2007
Taylor is banned from the rewards challenge. An enforcer is elected by the town council to enforce the law over Bonanza City.
Let Me Talk!
10. Let Me Talk!
November 21, 2007
A vote is held by the pioneers in a town council election. After the council's plan to build respect backfires, a threat is made to not award a gold star. Greg is ready to leave if after a number of run ins with the other pioneers, and threatens to go home if they want him to. Taylor is threatened to not receive any more award benefits if he doesn't help with the work.
Not Even Close to Fair
9. Not Even Close to Fair
November 14, 2007
A suggestion of changing the Green District's name to Gold District after achieving half the gold stars so far. Guylan insults his district by saying that they need more intellectuals around there. A shakeup is at hand at the Town Hall meeting when an announcement is made, sure to upset some of the kids.
Starved for Entertainment
8. Starved for Entertainment
November 7, 2007
The pioneers decide to put on a talent show to combat boredom, when one kid shocks the group with a statement. Kennedy and Savannah, both Kentucky natives, are set to cook up a Southern dinner, which creates homesickness for one of them with a yearning to leave Bonanza City.
The Root of All Evil
7. The Root of All Evil
October 31, 2007
The town-council members search for a treasure chest in a gold mine; money becomes a problem for some pioneers when kids start selling products on the street; and one citizen is accused of bribing others to gain support to get a gold star.
Bonanza Is Disgusting
6. Bonanza Is Disgusting
October 24, 2007
Pollution becomes a problem when flies, rats and pigs invade the town; and the town council hands out its first punishment against a pioneer.
Viva la Revolucíon
5. Viva la Revolucíon
October 17, 2007
The pioneers learn they can replace the town-council members if they choose to do so, and the current four leaders try to get reelected.
Bless Us and Keep Us Safe
4. Bless Us and Keep Us Safe
October 10, 2007
Conflicts arise when the town council recommends having one religious ceremony to accommodate all faiths.
Deal With It!
3. Deal With It!
October 3, 2007
Greg gets upset after not being awarded a gold star; a dust storm hits Bonanza City; and the town-council members deal with disorder in town by making some unpopular decisions.
To Kill or Not to Kill?
2. To Kill or Not to Kill?
September 26, 2007
The kids face a grim situation in Bonanza City when some want to kill a chicken for food while others are against the act.
I'm Trying to Be a Leader Here
1. I'm Trying to Be a Leader Here
September 19, 2007
Forty kids, ages 8-15, attempt to create an operating town in 40 days without the help of adults in a former New Mexico ghost town. In the opener, the kids arrive in Bonanza City and begin their task.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    September 19, 2007
  • IMDB Rating
    7.1  (1,772)