Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this series introduces viewers to cultural tastemakers from many walks of life: acting, journalism, art, cooking, and more. Each episode is both entertaining and educational, and there's not too much iffy content. But chances are that most kids won't be all that interested in the concept or the interview format.
Families can talk about how people become leaders in their field. What kind of work goes into creating a career? How do you figure out what you want to be? Kids, do you have any idea what profession you'd like to pursue yet? Families can also talk about the show's central idea: that celebrities look up to stars/high-profile people, too. Does that make these famous folks seem more relatable? Who would you interview if you had the chance? What would you ask them?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Lucy Maher
Like many other interview/profile shows, ICONOCLASTS introduces viewers to people who have contributed greatly to their respective fields, from fashion and business to music and entertainment. The twist here is that each of the two famous folks featured in an episode interviews the other. The result is an engaging show that transcends run-of-the-mill Q-and-A sessions.
For example, in one episode, Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels sparred with singer Paul Simon, unearthing interesting anecdotes and unique moments in each other's lives. Other episodes have featured R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe and restaurateur Mario Batali, screen legends Robert Redford and Paul Newman, former Gucci designer Tom Ford and artist Jeff Koons, actress Renee Zellweger and journalist Christiane Amanpour, and many more.
While Iconoclasts might appeal most to older viewers who are more familiar with the people being profiled, there's little that should hold parents back from letting kids tune in. They just might learn something.
Fans might also like Biography or Inside the Actors Studio.
Rate It!
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Social BehaviorSends the message that if you work hard you can become a leader in your field -- and the payoff will be worth the blood, sweat, and tears. Both women and men are featured, as are people from different racial/ethnic backgrounds. Plays in a bit to the current obsession with celebrities. |
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CommercialismMost of the people profiled are pop culture icons, so their respective projects are highlighted. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSocial drinking and smoking in some video clip segments. |
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