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True Life

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

    About our ratings

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    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.

updated 07.04.08

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?
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Our Members Say

Have You Seen It? Review It!

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

    for ages

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See all 3 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 3.0

    hi

    hi every1

  2. 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!

  3. 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.

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