Tools for this page
Print

True Life

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Where to watch: MTV)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Gritty -- but provoking -- reality show.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Some characters drink, smoke, swear, are pregnant, are recovering from drug addiction, etc. But the show encourages viewers to think.
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    One episode focuses on "baby mamas" another features sperm donation.
  • Language:

    Some bleeping.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    One show features smoking (including by a pregnant teen), and another has a central character drinking at a party. Another episode is about prescription drug abuse.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About True Life

Parents need to know that these installments feature mature material: In one episode, a man makes money by donating sperm, and in another a pregnant teen struggles to retain custody of her child. You may see drinking, smoking, and (bleeped out) swearing.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about this show's purpose. There is certainly a voyeuristic element as we watch people in often desperate situations -- but is there something to be learned from their stories, too? Do you care more about an issue -- such as teen pregnancy, drug addiction, tolerance -- after seeing real people struggling with it?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about True Life?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    iffy for my age but hidden good messages

    i love this show. it acctually teaches lessons but i wouldnt recomend it for younder kids. i think some are kind of poinless. there were a couple like "I wish my breasts were bigger" and "i wish my breasts for smaller and "im addicted to pornagraphy. i didnt really watch those. and also another pointless on was "im bisexual" those were pretty pointless but other ones have good messages that were hidden. also there is kissing and referenses to sex. there is alot of bleeping and the make subtitles for things that are hard to here you can tell what they're saying. its the first letter then its followed by ****

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Secretly holds good messages

    Depending on the show, it depends on what's going on. It teaches teens that everything that you do comes with a consequence, may it be good or bad. For example, I saw one where the girl was an alcoholic. . . The show didn't promote drinking. If anything, it told you not to drink because that might happen. I think it sends out an educational vibe on how to live your life and not make stupid decisions.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 3.0

    hi

    hi every1

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    WOW!

    I think that this is a really good show because they have diffrent type of episodes and it has atleast 3 people that have that problem! I learned alot out of this show! I think MTV should keep on making new ones!

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 4.0

    An example of quality reality TV

    This show is an example of quality reality television. It deals with real people in real situations. Whether it's dealing with a teen pregnancy, coming out, or even being Autistic, it's on this show. The content on the show is for made for mature teens. Many episodes could be rated TV-PG, while the more mature ones could be rated TV-14. Overall, if you want quality reality television made for teens, this show is for you.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    New Moon Is Rising

    New Moon Is Rising

    Fans are gearing up for the 11/20 release.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Must See TV

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

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
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

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
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