Shaq's Big Challenge is a reality television television show hosted by Shaquille O'Neal that debuted on ABC with its first episode on June 26, 2007, and concluded its first season on July 31, 2007. It featured Shaq's efforts to help six severely obese middle school aged children from Broward County, Florida lose weight and gain a healthy lifestyle.
The events of the six episodes take place over a period of nine months. The challenge was originally scheduled to last five months, but near the end, Shaq and the kids decided to extend it another four months. All kids started out in either the obese or the morbidly obese category and were unable to produce adequate results in the President's Physical Fitness Test, and by the end they were all within the normal or overweight categories and passed the President's Physical Fitness Test in all areas.
The show debuted to low ratings, though it can be attributed, and is attributed by ABC as well as critics, to the fact that the show shared a time slot with the highly successful America's Got Talent and reruns of the immensely popular House.[1] Critics, parents, and educational institutions lauded the show for its accuracy, humor, emotion, sincerity, and lack of exploitation.
The two schools featured in the show are Pines Middle School and Olsen Middle School, both of which are part of Broward County Public Schools.
Debut: NBA star Shaquille O'Neal and a team of health experts tackle childhood obesity by working one-on-one with kids to promote fitness and a healthful diet. First up: The six Florida middle schoolers chosen for the program are introduced. Specialists include chef Tyler Florence and Shaq's college-basketball coach, Dale Brown.
2
Jul 3, 2007
The kids aren't keeping up with their exercise program, so personal trainer Tarik Tyler is brought in to amp up their routine. In addition, nutritionist Joy Bauer offers tips on cooking healthful meals.
3
Jul 10, 2007
Kit drops out of the program, and Shaq tries to talk her dad into letting her return. Meanwhile, Doc and Dale introduce a proposal of 20 minutes of exercise daily during homeroom.
4
Jul 17, 2007
The kids strive to hit a 20-pound (9 kg) weight-loss goal to win tickets to a Miami Heat basketball game, and chef Tyler Florence revamps the menu at their school cafeteria on the cheap.
5
Jul 24, 2007
Shaq's Wellness Wheel pilot program to get more physical education into schools is turning too slowly. Meanwhile, chef Tyler Florence is having trouble persuading the cafeteria that it can afford a more healthful menu.
6
Jul 31, 2007
In the season finale, the kids take the president's physical-fitness test, Dr. Muinos delivers his medical diagnoses, and Shaq and the kids meet with the governor of Florida.
