Friday Night Tykes (2014– ) User Reviews

A review of the QUALITY of the show, NOT if I agree with the content

[ramair350 · 8/10 · 3 February 2014]

I am surprised to see this show getting such low ratings. I believe what is occurring is users are rating the show based on whether they agree if youth tackle football is "good" or "bad." The content that the show depicts indeed shows some horrible behavior by coaches and parents (and plenty of good things in my opinion), but don't rate the show poorly because you don't like what you see! For example, one of my favorite shows in the last decade was "To Catch a Predator." Did I rate the show poorly because I hate child molesters? No ... it was a good show that exposed an interesting (and horrible) part of our society. I'm in no way comparing the subjects of this show to the monsters on "To Catch a Predator," by the way!

For "Friday Night Tykes," each episode (I've seen three so far) has been highly entertaining, and yes, provocative. There is almost no narration from the show; the characters do their own talking, and the audience can draw their own conclusions. Although at first I thought this might be another train-wreck of a show (like "Toddlers and Tiaras" or "Honey BooBoo"), but it indeed sparks worthwhile conversation and debate and is more worthwhile to watch and discuss versus most of the lousy mindless reality shows out there. Sure, there are plenty of train-wreck moments, but I see a greater point and purpose for the show.

In summary, I plan on continuing to tune in, and I hope others do the same.

My rating is for the show itself entertainment value not for the what happens

[zachvalencia · 8/10 · 23 January 2016]

This show is pretty disgusting showing the truth of Texas youth football. These coaches and even parents are batshit crazy and teach nothing about hard work and sportsmanship but about how to cheat bend rules hurt other players. Coaches not pushing their kids to their limits but commuting cruel and unusual punishment. Making kids run way more excessive conditioning then necessary in 99 degree weather. I play football and I played youth football what they do is ridiculous. Straight helmet to helmet contact. Coaches swear and tell their kids to hurt other player and cheat to get an advantage. They say there trying to make sure these kids aren't soft which kinda makes sense for football but they push it way beyond the limits. Despite all that the show is entertaining in showing the true craziness that is Texas football. And these 8 year olds are aweso athletes they hit hard, run fast, they look like high school players out there. Good football games and intense match ups. Overall entertaining to watch but also disgusting.

A very realistic depiction of youth football

[jesusruiz-58285 · 8/10 · 23 March 2018]

This show is not the best-made show. The editing could be better and there could have been a better selection of which teams and people to focus on. What I do appreciate about the show is how real it is. It shows both the positive and negative parts of youth football. I have coached youth football and I know the stresses that come with that kind of responsibility. One of my favorite lines in the show was given by Keith Dyson of the Judson Jr. Rockets when he said that youth sports will always be ruined by adults and another person in the show, a woman said more of the same as well. "It'd be nice if youth sports was just about youth and sports." The kids are the ones playing, but the world that the adults create can be problematic. It's great to see teams like the San Antonio Outlaws and the 210 Outlaws that play quality football led by great athletes and more importantly some great coaching by Fred Davis and company. But then, you have teams like the Texas Storm led by Paul and Lori Hurt who try to downplay the aggressive teams who can actually play and accuse them of foul play. That is a perfect example of adults ruining the game. Instead of these so called "adults" being competitive and putting together a quality program, they make excuses for being a garbage team. They blame the referees, their opponents, and even the entire organization instead of admitting that they are afraid of the teams who are actually successful. Lori Hurt is a perfect example of what happens when you put a woman on the football field to coach. Pure weakness. Also, if you think youth football is child abuse, you clearly do not have enough knowledge of the game to give an objective opinion. Yes, injuries happen and yes there are terrible coaches. But, that does not take away from the fact that there are some great organizations with coaches who can teach young boys how to become great young athletes and great young men. Football is just a tool that coaches can use to teach young boys about good work ethic, about passion, about respect, and about being a part of something bigger than yourself. Claiming that youth football is child abuse is completely ridiculous and unrealistic. There are millions of kids who play football and kids love the game and they love to play. It's a great game and it's a privilege to be a part of it.

I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS SHOW

[rhileyroo · 10/10 · 22 January 2018]

FIRST OFF THIS IS NOT CHILD ABUSE. Everyone who thinks it is then your kid is probably one of those kids who cry every minute of the day because things didn't go their way. They are preparing these kids for REAL LIFE and what it's like in the big leagues of football. You think middle and high school, college and NFL coaches don't talk to their players this way? Stop acting like these kids are glass and will break every time someone says something somebody doesn't like. IT'S CALLED LIFE!

Second off this show is just great all around. It shows sportmanship, hard work ethic, and some damn good football! I wish I lived in Texas just so I could watch it in real time.

Makes you wonder

[rpete528 · 1/10 · 22 January 2014]

Having watched some of this series I am thoroughly disgusted. This show is a perfect example of everything that is wrong with youth sports. A few members of the coaching staffs should not be coaching. I was really taken back by the Broncos and Colts coaches. One coach has anger issues and knows nothing about sportsmanship. He gets mad going to an opponents home field as if he was going to battle. He instructs how to cheat. He instructs one of his players to hit an opponent in the head even if it means he (his player) can't get up. He wears a shirt that on the front says speed and agility and on the back says sweat is weakness coming out. Yet he doesn't look like he has exercised in quite some time. At the end of a practice he points to one of his player's helmet and says if you hit them here they will go down one at a time...11, 10, 9 etc. The other coach allows his team to drop F bombs continuously during calisthenics. He makes another kid run non stop in major heat and then asks the kid if he is ready to practice. When the kid says yes then he makes him run more. What a sadistic jerk. Heck, one coach of another team goes to the ice cream truck and gets himself a snow cone while his team is running laps. Really?? The language and attitude geared toward these kids is unbelievable. Some of these coaches can't even speak to their players using proper English. It's ridiculous. Even several of the parents of these kids should be ashamed of the way they act. You would almost think that having one episode aired that this particular league in Texas would come under much scrutiny and be evaluated on how these kids are being taught. I wouldn't want my kid playing for some of these guys. It appears that some of these coaches need to take some kind of clinics specially designed for coaching. They act like wannabe pro athletes but act like nothing but overweight child abusers. They are supposed to be role models. I will say it seems like the Predators coach understands what it takes to be a proper coach so far and I am sure there are good coaches in that league that actually coach and teach. Some of the other coaches shown seem to be trying to relive the glory years in high school through these kids. I was a coach for many years and yes discipline is taught but so is the game, properly, no matter what sport it is. These kids are 8-9 years old and have futures. Despicable is the only thing that comes to mind from what I see from this show. For all those that say this reality show doesn't show what the coaches do that is good for the kids, more important is that it is showing what they are doing that is not good for these kids. What is being taught to little kids, keep that in mind, dangerous to their well being.

Some good but a lot of bad

[morn1960 · 4/10 · 1 April 2020]

Most if these coaches I wouldn't allow near my kid. Foul mouths and tempers, a mom who runs what should be a fun experience by calling games because in her opinion the other teams were being mean and the officials neglectful in their play calling. The only way to make that woman happy would be giving her son and team a win without playing a down. It's no wonder so many athletes have a narcissistic personality and turn out breaking the law. Makes one glad one doesnt have children and they want to play football for these people.

How is this not abuse?

[planetdan1 · 5/10 · 29 July 2017]

I give it a 5 merely for camera work. How this type of abuse to children isn't illegal is beyond me. I get much of it is inflated for production value but if these people think they are doing these kids any favors, they are sorely mistaken. Competition, dedication and sportsmanship can be taught without the abuse those show seems to enjoy.

Absolutely Ridiculous

[teresap-89200 · 4/10 · 20 September 2020]

I get football is important to Texas families. We live in Texas and both my sons play football. These are kids and these little league football coaches are ridiculous. Don't burn them out. I would never allow most of these men to be around my boys.