Tools for this page
Print

4Real

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Celebs, viewers learn about global issues.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series shows celebs connecting with young community leaders from all over the world, highlighting the leaders' positive work. Some of the issues they tackle include poverty, violence, alcohol and drug addiction, environmental and cultural preservation, and children's and indigenous people's rights.

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some episodes discuss the violence that's plaguing a country or community. In some countries, young leaders put their lives at risk in order to do their work. One leader receives constant death threats.
  • Sex:

    Some indigenous tribes dress in minimal clothing, meaning that there's the potential for non-sexual nudity.
  • Language:

    Celebs swear occasionally -- including words like "ass" and "p---y" -- but these words are fully muted.
  • Consumerism:

    The show helps promote worthwhile community programs around the world. Celebrities featured on the show include Cameron Diaz, Joaquin Phoenix, Mos Def, Eva Mendes, Casey Affleck, K'NAAN, and M.I.A..
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Indigenous healing herbs, including coca leaves, are occasionally used in rituals and ceremonies. Some of the issues faced by the featured communities are high rates of alcoholism and drug addiction.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of 4Real was written by Melissa Camacho

Parents need to know that, despite the presence of high-profile celebrity guests, the focus of this informative series about young community leaders from all over the world is really on the leaders' inspirational stories about helping people in the face of overwhelming challenges. It's worthwhile viewing for older tweens and up, but know that some episodes include discussions about violence, alcoholism, drug addiction, and other social problems. Occasional strong language (usually uttered by celebrities) is fully muted.

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 how the media can bring attention to global social issues. How can a documentary series like this one help community leaders? Why is it important to highlight the efforts of communities all over the world? Does the presence of celebrities support or undermine the series' core message? Families can also discuss the different ways that people can contribute to their own communities. Are the people where you live facing specific social problems? What can people do to help?
Did this review help you decide?

Will your kids tune in?

Have you seen it? Review It!

More on 4Real

What’s the Story?

In 4REAL, celebrities travel around the world to meet young leaders who are dedicated to helping their communities. Accompanied by host Sol Guy, popular actors and musicians like Cameron Diaz, K'Naan, and Joaquin Phoenix visit countries like Peru, Kenya, Liberia, Brazil, and Canada -- as well as Native American reservations in the United States -- to meet the extraordinary people who face difficult (and often extremely dangerous) circumstances to deal with issues like poverty, environmentalism, alcohol and drug addiction, and lack of health care. The celebs offer their own thoughts and impressions as they take a first-hand look at the real lives of other cultures.

Is It Any Good?

4REAL is both upbeat and informative. It mixes reality and education by showing celebrities exploring important historical sites, participating in traditional events, and talking to locals about some of the issues impacting their communities. Meanwhile, community leaders take advantage of the welcome opportunity to show off the beauty of their homelands while bringing attention to the some of the very real problems their countries face.

But the show isn't all sunshine and rainbows -- it often deals with serious issues like drug and alcohol abuse and violence. And conversations about the dangers that some of the featured young people face on a daily basis as a result of their work can disturbing. But these discussions are offered as a way to enlighten viewers and inspire them into action. Most importantly, 4Real showcases exceptional young people from around the world who have chosen to make positive changes in their communities. It's a great viewing choice for mature tweens, teens, and even adults.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

What did you think about 4Real?

or

to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

    More Great Stuff For Your Kids

    • Now Playing

      Avatar

      Avatar

      Action-heavy epic has dazzling effects, familiar story.

    • Advice for Parents

      Facebook for Parents

      Facebook for Parents

      Get info and facts to keep your kids safe and smart on Facebook.

    • Must See TV

      Team Umizoomi

      Team Umizoomi

      Super team teaches preschoolers real-life math applications.

    • Member Buzz

      Sending Mom a TXT

      Sending Mom a TXT

      Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

    • Game of the Week

      Simplz: Zoo

      Simplz: Zoo

      Family-friendly puzzler mixes in a bit of zoo simulation.

    Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
    • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
    • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
    • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

    This will never be displayed to others.
    Your email will never be displayed to others.
    Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
    A screen name protects your privacy
    To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

    Set-up your account
    This will never be displayed to others.
    Your email will never be displayed to others.
    Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

    Choose a screen name
    It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
    A screen name protects your privacy

    Tell us your children's ages
    You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
    We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
    is
    until
    (optional)
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    Add another child

    We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

    Set-up your account
    This will never be displayed to others.
    Your email will never be displayed to others.
    Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

    Tell us your children's ages
    You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
    Why we ask for this
    We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    Add another child

    Choose a screen name
    It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
    A screen name protects your privacy
    Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
    I'm already a Common Sense member.
    Kids under 13 must use a screen name