Tools for this page
Print

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Jill Murphy

MAKING THE BAND takes viewers on a multi-season competition as thousands compete for the coveted position of being in a music group created by Sean "Diddy" Combs. Once a band is selected, the "firsts" of their career are turned into a new round of episodes -- ending with the release of their first album. Each group of five bandmates lives together while recording the album, practicing dance numbers, and promoting their upcoming release. Only one band is created at a time, and the show follows them for two to three seasons. Once the band has launched an album, the competition begins again.

Is It Any Good?

3

The series' most enticing element is that viewers see what happens after the struggle -- a feature that's often lost in programs like American Idol and Project Runway. Making the Band has had many makeovers and lived on a few different networks. O-Town (There and Back: Ashley Parker Angel) -- a boy-band jumping on the bandwagon of 'N Sync and The Backstreet Boys -- was created during the first round of the series on the WB and barely made it off the county fair circuit. When the show landed on MTV, Diddy took it to new heights. After creating Da Band, a collection of male and female hip-hop artists, in Making the Band 2, Diddy decided it was time for the ultimate girl super-group. Invoking the powers of the Spice Girls, Making the Band 3's multi-season journey began, looking for five girls to take over the world.

While each group member's talent is admirable, the series is best for mature audiences. It will appeal to younger teens -- and maybe even tweens -- but keep in mind that some group members are over 21, and they act as most young, hyped, recently signed people might in their position.

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
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.