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The States

(Rated TV-PG, Educational, Where to watch: History, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Fun American history snippets for tweens and up.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Teaches history in a relatively hip manner, though some controversial contemporary issues are glossed over/left out.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Stories about war, riots, and other violence. Images of graves, a noose, and grimacing faces during protests.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Some historical references to brothels.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some historical images of drinking and smoking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The States

Parents need to know that some of the images in this otherwise-fun history show -- a noose, a grave, racially motivated hate, etc. -- might upset very young viewers. There are also some references to gambling, drinking, and organized crime. But overall this is a clean, unobjectionable documentary series that combines education and entertainment.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the appeal of TV shows like this one. Do these kinds of shows make education fun? Do you think they usually give an accurate representation of the facts? How could you find out more if you wanted to? Families can also discuss their home states. What do you know about the state you live in? Do you feel like your identity is connected to your home state in some way? If so, how? What do tweens and teens like best and least about their state? Is there another state that you want to visit? Why?
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