I love this show! Sometimes there's situations that aren't the best but it sticks to the title of the show and really shows people what others are going through in their life. I've been inspired by many young teens who were on the show and I've shed many tears while hearing their stories. Absolutely one of my fave shows!
True Life
(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Where to watch: MTV)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Gritty -- but provoking -- reality show.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 15–18
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of True Life was written by Kate Pavao
Parents need to know that these installments feature mature material: In one episode, a man makes money by donating sperm, and in another a pregnant teen struggles to retain custody of her child. You may see drinking, smoking, and (bleeped out) swearing.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about this show's purpose. There is certainly a voyeuristic element as we watch people in often desperate situations -- but is there something to be learned from their stories, too? Do you care more about an issue -- such as teen pregnancy, drug addiction, tolerance -- after seeing real people struggling with it?
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More on True Life
What’s the Story?
TRUE LIFE tackles issues such as young parents dealing with custody fights, students struggling with the prescription drug Adderall, and two men who do bizarre jobs for money. Some of the episodes are meatier than others, but they are all relatively engaging, and can even be thought-provoking.
Is It Any Good?
This is still voyeurism: Viewers are watching people in often desperate situations, and may have an impulse to simply shake their heads as a pregnant teen pulls a drag on a cigarette, or a sideshow freak puts a snake up his nose. But when they get over the thrill of being judgmental, they will find plenty of material that may inspire discussion -- and even activism. The episode about "baby mamas" with custody issues is a good advertisement for safe sex and abstinence; the sideshow freak who bucks stereotypes with his desire to get married and buy a house may encourage a little more tolerance for the different.
Our Members Say
See 7 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 16 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
Great show for older teens (16+)
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
True Life
A show I would expect from MTV, dealing with todays youth, and the struggle with teen pregnancies, birth defects, drug issues, and more. A good hard look into the eyes of the people presented in the show.
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I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
iffy for my age but hidden good messages
i love this show. it acctually teaches lessons but i wouldnt recomend it for younder kids. i think some are kind of poinless. there were a couple like "I wish my breasts were bigger" and "i wish my breasts for smaller and "im addicted to pornagraphy. i didnt really watch those. and also another pointless on was "im bisexual" those were pretty pointless but other ones have good messages that were hidden. also there is kissing and referenses to sex. there is alot of bleeping and the make subtitles for things that are hard to here you can tell what they're saying. its the first letter then its followed by ****
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I rate this title on for age 15 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Secretly holds good messages
Depending on the show, it depends on what's going on. It teaches teens that everything that you do comes with a consequence, may it be good or bad. For example, I saw one where the girl was an alcoholic. . . The show didn't promote drinking. If anything, it told you not to drink because that might happen. I think it sends out an educational vibe on how to live your life and not make stupid decisions.
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I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
hi
hi every1
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
WOW!
I think that this is a really good show because they have diffrent type of episodes and it has atleast 3 people that have that problem! I learned alot out of this show! I think MTV should keep on making new ones!
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I rate this title on for age 14 and give it
An example of quality reality TV
This show is an example of quality reality television. It deals with real people in real situations. Whether it's dealing with a teen pregnancy, coming out, or even being Autistic, it's on this show. The content on the show is for made for mature teens. Many episodes could be rated TV-PG, while the more mature ones could be rated TV-14. Overall, if you want quality reality television made for teens, this show is for you.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 33% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 33% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 33% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
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