This American Life - TV-14
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: Showtime Cast: Ira Glass
Genre: Reality TV
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Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this fascinating, thought-provoking documentary series (which is based on the NPR mainstay) covers a wide range of topics and includes interviews with people from virtually all walks of life, making episode content difficult to predict. Depending on the topics -- and the participants -- alcohol and tobacco use is shown, partial nudity is possible, and language (which is never edited) can be strong. While the content probably isn't new to teens, it's definitely on the iffy side for anyone younger. On the positive side, the unscripted stories about everyday lives promote human connectedness and empathy.
Families can talk about dealing with adversity. Teens: When have you faced difficulty in your life? How did it affect you? How did you respond? Who did you turn to for guidance? Did any of the show's stories inspire you? How? Family members can also share their own personal stories with each other. What experiences from your past would fit the theme of the episode? If you had to compile an episode, what would it be called?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Emily Ashby
A politician sets out to win an election without telling a single lie, scientists find themselves in high demand after stumbling onto a method for erasing memories, a 63-year-old woman sets out on a new career path -- these are the stories of everyday people, presented in stark first-person accounts in the compelling series THIS AMERICAN LIFE.
The quasi-documentary series is a TV version of the award-winning National Public Radio show of the same name. Hosted and produced by Ira Glass -- who has led the radio show's unique brand of storytelling for nearly 15 years -- the TV version groups the stories into thematic episodes, profiling two or three related tales each time.
For example, in an episode called "God's Close-Up," Glass travels to the Mojave Desert to talk to some of the hundreds of believers who flock there for snapshots of the sun, in which many claim to see heavenly visions. He also profiles an artist in Utah who -- finding facial hair a rare commodity in his clean-cut, predominantly Mormon society -- often recruits religious outsiders as well as hippies and homeless men to pose for his Biblical paintings.
As the interviewer, Glass takes a backseat to his subjects' first-person accounts, interjecting only occasionally with a question or comment and adding thought-provoking voice-over narration throughout. His honest, introspective style and the show's captivating cinematography combine to support the sincere emotions of these funny, sad, curious, and heartwarming stories.
The reality of This American Life may well entertain, inspire, and touch you in a way that few other shows do. If your teens are ready for intermittent strong language and possible nudity, ask them to join you while you watch. You'll be amazed at the stories and gain new perspective on people of all walks of life.
Fans may also enjoy 30 Days and I Shouldn't Be Alive.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentBrief partial nudity. A segment set in an art class shows a full rear shot of a nude female model, including a side view of her breast. Sex and romantic relationships are referenced. |
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Violence |
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LanguageSporadic usage of "ass," "hell," "s--t," "bitch," "damn," and "f--k." |
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Message |
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Social BehaviorThe series promotes an understanding of people from all different walks of life, spotlighting what makes them unique without an air of judgment. Occasional obscene hand gestures. |
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Commercialism |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoMention of drug use and underage drinking. Some subjects drink and smoke in front of the camera. |
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