Shaq's Big Challenge premiered on ABC on June 26, 2007. Someone had to do it, and who else but an athlete, a father, and an all-around champion? Shaquille O'Neal, the 7-foot-tall star of the NBA's Miami Heat, has spent the last year leading the charge against childhood obesity – first by designing a program for six overweight middle-schoolers in Florida, then by leading the fight into the school cafeteria, into the gymnasium, and onto our TV screens. In talking to the kids who were chosen to participate in the show, Shaq realized that a child's weight problem can begin at school, where physical education programs have been cut and cafeteria options are heavy on the soft drinks and fast food. He took it upon himself to go into the schools to see what was going on — and he discovered that PE programs had been cut due to budget issues and that industrial-size cartons of frozen food are the most affordable way to provide lunch for more than 1,000 students. In visiting the six kids at home, Shaq also realized that family dynamics, poor eating habits, and cultural traditions can all compound the problem. It didn't take long for Shaq to realize that reversing the trends would be a big job.
Cast
Character
Actor
Himself
Shaquille O'Neal
Himself
Chris
Himself
James
Herself
Ariel
Himself
Kevin
Himself
Walter
Herself
Kit
Herself
Joy Bauer
Himself
Dale Brown
Himself
Carlon Colker
Himself
Tyler Florence
Himself
William I. Muinos
Himself
Tarik Tyler
Episodes
Season 1 (2007-2008)
(6 Episodes In Season 1)
Episode 101 (Originally Aired 6/26/2007)
The six Florida middle schoolers chosen for the program are introduced. Specialists include chef Tyler Florence and Shaq's college-basketball coach, Dale Brown.
Episode 102 (Originally Aired 7/3/2007)
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.
Episode 103 (Originally Aired 7/3/2007)
Shaq and the team face a setback that could threaten the future of the program. Kit drops out and it's up to Shaq to convice her father to let her come back. Later, Doc and Dale reveal their plan that teachers offer 20 minutes of exercise daily; and James and Tarik butt heads, forcing Shaq to mediate.
Episode 104 (Originally Aired 7/17/2007)
Chef Tyler Florence revamps the school lunch at the cafeteria; the children try to reach the 20-pound weight-loss milestone to win a prize; James loses his enthusiasm for the project.
Episode 105 (Originally Aired 7/24/2007)
The children are far from ready to meet with the governor about their results; chef Tyler Florence has a final chance to prove that the school cafeteria can afford a healthier, child-friendly menu.
Episode 106 (Originally Aired 7/31/2007)
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.
Shaq's Big Challenge premiered on ABC on June 26, 2007. Someone had to do it, and who else but an athlete, a father, and an all-around champion? Shaquille O'Neal, the 7-foot-tall star of the NBA's Miami Heat, has spent the last year leading the charge against childhood obesity – first by designing a program for six overweight middle-schoolers in Florida, then by leading the fight into the school cafeteria, into the gymnasium, and onto our TV screens. In talking to the kids who were chosen to participate in the show, Shaq realized that a child's weight problem can begin at school, where physical education programs have been cut and cafeteria options are heavy on the soft drinks and fast food. He took it upon himself to go into the schools to see what was going on — and he discovered that PE programs had been cut due to budget issues and that industrial-size cartons of frozen food are the most affordable way to provide lunch for more than 1,000 students. In visiting the six kids at home, Shaq also realized that family dynamics, poor eating habits, and cultural traditions can all compound the problem. It didn't take long for Shaq to realize that reversing the trends would be a big job.
