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Kid Nation, a CBS reality series that revolves around 40 children trying to run a society with minimum adult supervision, has been at the receiving end of much criticism since it premiered in September. The network has been accused of exploiting the young cast members, but executive producer Tom Forman has defended the series, saying that they made sure the show would not go beyond ethical boundaries.
“I'm not surprised it was provocative, because the minute we started talking about making this show with young people, we knew it was going to be,” Forman told
Broadcasting & Cable. “But we had a tremendous responsibility to those kids and their parents. We had a huge responsibility to our viewers to make a show that was not just entertaining, but ethical, too.”
Forman also said that he was “shocked” when people started using phrases like “child abuse” when describing Kid Nation.
“Having spent 10 years in the news business and covered countless stories of child abuse, that's a very real, very horrible thing and, frankly, not a phrase that should be tossed around lightly, which, in this case, it was by respectable newspapers,” he said.
While the bad publicity helped to generate more buzz around
Kid Nation, the series hasn't exactly drawn stellar ratings for the network. However, Forman remains optimistic, saying that although the show may not be doing well in key adult demographics, it has turned out to be something that the whole family can enjoy.
“I am thrilled that families are watching this show together,” he said. “Realistically it's probably not doing as well in 18-34 as I would like. Do I wish it were rating better than it is? Of course. Do I wish more 30-year-olds would give it a chance? Of course.”
As the debut season of
Kid Nation nears its end (the finale is scheduled to air on December 12), CBS has yet to formally announce whether or not the show has been renewed for a second season, although the network began accepting applications as early as August.
-Lisa Claustro, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Broadcasting & Cable
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