Shaq's Big Challenge
GenreReality TV
Created byStephen Lambert
StarringShaquille O'Neal
Kit Maldanado
Ariel Pittsinger
Kevin Evans
James Pistocchi
Chris Britto
Walter Holleger
Narrated byPhillip Terrence
ComposerDavid Vanacore
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes6 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producersRick Ringbakk
Shaquille O'Neal
ProducersPaul Coyne
Clayton Halsey
Tony Yates
Production locationBroward County, Florida
EditorsPaul J. Coyne
Clayton Halsey
KC Duggan
Audrey Capotosta
Running time60 minutes
Production companyRDF USA
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseJune 26 (2007-06-26) –
July 31, 2007 (2007-07-31)

Shaq's Big Challenge is a reality 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. It aired on Tuesdays at 9:00 pm ET/PT and 8:00 pm CT on ABC.

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.

Shaq's Team

The Kids

Name, Age Weight at start Weight at end
James Pistocchi, 11 182 lb (83 kg) 157 lb (71 kg); lost 25 lb (11 kg)
Chris Brito, 11 206 lb (93 kg) 129 lb (59 kg); lost 77 lb (35 kg)
Ariel Pittsinger, 14 211 lb (96 kg) 171 lb (78 kg); lost 40 lb (18 kg)
Kevin Evans, 13 230 lb (104 kg) 178 lb (81 kg); lost 52 lb (24 kg)
Kit Maldanado, 14 263 lb (119 kg) 236 lb (107 kg); lost 27 lb (12 kg)
Walter Holleger, 14 285 lb (129 kg) 221 lb (100 kg); lost 64 lb (29 kg)

[2]

The Experts

Name Occupation
Joy Bauer Nutritionist, Founder of Joy Bauer Nutrition.
Dale Brown College Basketball Coach of Louisiana State University, and Shaq's college coach.
Carlon Colker CEO of Peak Wellness Inc. in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Tyler Florence Celebrity chef who currently hosts three shows on the Food Network.
William I. Muinos Medical Doctor and childhood obesity expert.
Tarik Tyler Professional fitness trainer.

[3]

Episodes

# Airdate Overview
1 Jun 26, 2007 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.

[4]

References

  1. ↑ Media Life Magazine - Air ball for new 'Shaq's Big Challenge' Archived 2007-09-27 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ↑ About the Kids Archived 2007-10-09 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ↑ About the Experts Archived 2007-10-09 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ↑ "Watch Shaq's Big Challenge Episodes - Season 1 - TVGuide.com". TVGuide.com.
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