Frontline - NR
TV Rating: NR
Network: PBS Cast: Will Lyman
Genre: Educational
Available on: 
DVDDownload
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this news documentary series provides thoughtful, provocative insight on current events as a way of raising public awareness of contemporary issues. While the series overall is educational, some installments include in-depth interviews and video footage that may be too strong for younger viewers. (Of course, chances are that most kids -- including plenty of teens -- won't really be clamoring to see a news-focused series anyway.)
Families can talk about current events. How do these events impact the way we look at the world? Who are the people involved in these events, and what are their roles? What specific issues do you feel strongly about? Families can also talk about the differences between broadcast news and public affairs documentaries. What do documentaries offer that news stories don't or can't? If you were asked to make a documentary about an important issue, what would it be about? Who would you interview? Parents can find more discussion topics in Frontline's Teacher Center.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho
FRONTLINE is a hard-hitting, magazine-style documentary news series that looks at contemporary, often-controversial issues, focusing on the people who work on the frontlines of the major events of our time.
Considered PBS' flagship public affairs series for more than 20 years, Frontline follows the time-honored tradition of broadcast news by telling stories that objectively explore present-day topics in the United States and abroad. Sept. 11, the war in Iraq, the global politics of AIDS, and the controversies surrounding abortion are just a few of the many issues that the program has delved into.
The winner of many major journalism awards -- including a Peabody for excellence in TV broadcasting -- Frontline stands out among other prime-time programs of this genre thanks to its in-depth research, solid reporting, and strong narrative. As a result of the producers' commitment to journalistic excellence, the series offers unflinching examinations of different, often-conflicting viewpoints, allowing viewers to experience for themselves the complexity of many of life's multifaceted events.
Fans might also like American Experience and 60 Minutes. For a specifically tween/teen-centric take on current events, try Nick News With Linda Ellerbee.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSome of the installments discuss issues of a sexual nature (sex-slave trade, etc.). These discussions are presented as informational content. |
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ViolenceSome episodes discuss violent events, such as war, terrorism, and rebellion. The accompanying images can be harrowing, but there's no active violence, per se. |
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LanguageOccasional mild language, such as "damn." |
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Social BehaviorThe series is intended to provide thorough coverage of all aspects of a particular issue. Many of the stories focus on the plight of the underserved, as well as bringing attention to controversial issues of our era -- including AIDS, abortion, and sexism. Multiple points of view are presented. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoDrugs, alcohol, and tobacco products are sometimes visible as part of the documentation of events. Addiction and drug/alcohol-related deaths are sometimes discussed. Use of legal and illegal narcotics, such as treatments for AIDS and cancer, are also talked about. |
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