True Life - TV-PG
Gritty -- but provoking -- reality show.
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Seen the show?
details
- TV Rating: TV-PG
- Network: MTV
- Genre: Reality TV
Parents need to know
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.
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?
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?
Message
Social Behavior:
Some characters drink, smoke, swear, are pregnant, are recovering from drug addiction, etc. But the show encourages viewers to think.
Consumerism:
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
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.
Violence
Sex
One episode focuses on "baby mamas" another features sperm donation.
Language
Some bleeping.
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Kate Pavao
TRUE LIFE tackles issues such as young parents dealing with custody fights, students struggling with the prescription drug Adderall, and two men who do bizarre jobs for money. Some of the episodes are meatier than others, but they are all relatively engaging, and can even be thought-provoking.
Is it any good?
This is still voyeurism: Viewers are watching people in often desperate situations, and may have an impulse to simply shake their heads as a pregnant teen pulls a drag on a cigarette, or a sideshow freak puts a snake up his nose. But when they get over the thrill of being judgmental, they will find plenty of material that may inspire discussion -- and even activism. The episode about "baby mamas" with custody issues is a good advertisement for safe sex and abstinence; the sideshow freak who bucks stereotypes with his desire to get married and buy a house may encourage a little more tolerance for the different.
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132 votes