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The Academy

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Holt McCallany, Mark Wilkins, Dwight Miley, Where to watch: MyNetworkTV, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Real deputy recruits learn to protect and serve.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Emphasizes the values of the Sheriff's Department, including integrity, confidence, and self-discipline. The training methods may seem severe, but they prepare recruits for the real challenges of law enforcement. Recruits include both men and women.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Guns, hand-to-hand combat, and other activities are visible, but they're presented within the context of training to handle violent situations. Instructors regularly yell at and insult recruits (also part of the training process).

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Language including "hell" and "damn" is used mostly by instructors while training recruits.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Academy

Parents need to know that this reality series revolves around the L.A. Sheriff's Department's intense training program, which is designed to prepare recruits for the stress and dangers associated with law enforcement. To that end, instructors often yell at and insult the recruits (sometimes using fairly mild swear words like "hell" and "damn"); although they offer explanations for their behavior, it might be too much for younger or more sensitive kids.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what it takes to complete the intense physical and mental training necessary to become a law enforcement officer. Do you think this show accurately portrays what it's like to prepare for that kind of career? Is this show more or less realistic than other "reality" shows? How so? Which type do you prefer, and why?
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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    mail5511899
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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