 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
America: The Story of Us
- History
- Genre: Educational
Common Sense Media says
U.S. history gets dramatic in worthy educational series.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this educational series offers visually graphic reenactments of American historical events. People are shown being shot, blown up, stabbed with bayonets, etc. (bloody wounds and dead corpses visible). There are also brief discussions about prostitution, cannibalism, slavery, Native American displacement, disease, starvation, and other strong topics. All these themes are offered within a historical context, but may be a little disturbing to younger and/or sensitive viewers.
What's the story?
AMERICA: THE STORY OF US is a six-part documentary that offers a detailed look at some of the prominent political, economic, and social figures and events that have molded America throughout the past 400 years. Beginning with the Revolutionary War, it uses dramatic reenactments and special effects to illustrate each significant period in America’s history. It also looks at the country’s enthusiasm for exploration and discovery out on the frontier, both out West and in space. The technological innovations that made all these things possible are also discussed. Insight from notable politicians like Rudolf Giuliani, military figures like Colin Powell, business people like Donald Trump, and Hollywood actors like Michael Douglas help explain the significance and consequences of these events, both major and minor, on the overall impact it has had on the formation and evolution of America.
Is it any good?
The docu-series attempts to make itself both informative and entertaining by using creative computer graphics and interviews with notable political, educational, and Hollywood figures to talk about American history. While it succeeds on most fronts, there are times when the special effects seem to make parts of the overall narrative drag on more than it should. Sometimes the presentation of multiple events seems a little scattered, too.
Kids may not be clamoring to see it, but history buffs and educators will most certainly appreciate what the series has to offer. President Obama’s introduction to the series also makes it pretty exciting. Overall, it is an inspired look at what makes the United States the country that it is today.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about American history. What are some of the key events in U.S. history that made America the country that it is today? Are all of these things good things? Are there things that you wish had happened differently? Why? Do you think American history would be told differently if it were told from a specifically female, African-American, or Native American point of view?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
This is a historical account of America i dont care how old you are watch this it will give you important stuff the battles are not bloody just people falling down with a smear of red about one time. Kids need to know this stuff and they use the word prostitute on time very fast i didnt know they said it until i looked above
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AGE
America: The Story of Us
This is a spectacular show for all Americans. Highly educational and offers great chance to have kids/teenagers learn more about America's history. There are some scenes that show America's brutal dark side, but its all meant to educate and refresh the American mind.
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Kid, 12 years old
August 27, 2011
AGE
parents let your tweens watch it
We watch it in school.Violence: 11+ it is quite violent and at parts shows dead bodies and alot of blood. also the donnor party scenes can be disturbing because of the discussion of cannibalism though all you see is bones blood and some dead bodies. There are alot of good role models. Sexual content: 7+ Some discussion about pregnancy and more. Drugs: 11+ alot of talk about tobacco ,whiskey, and wine. Marijuana is mentioned briefly. Language: 8+ one very quick and easy to miss s***.
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AGE
Very entertaining history lesson
Very action packed. Our ten year old enjoyed it, and followed the storyline very well. War scenes can be a bit graphic in nature, but are meant to tell the realities of war. Very informative documentary overall.
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Kid, 12 years old
July 19, 2010
AGE
OFF: 10 and under IFFY: 10-12 ON: 12 and over
I agree the CommonSense Rating....and it's not intended for kids, and yes, mom lets me watch it.
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Kid, 11 years old
May 3, 2012
AGE
Fun, educational show that contains some gore.
This is a fun, intense and historically educational TV show that isn't intended for young kids. This show is rated TV-14 by HBO and is rated an "on for twelve" by CSM. I think that it has some bloody and disturbing violence (especially during World War ll) that may not be appropriate for kids under 13. There is also some mild language that is limited to the words d-mn and b-stard. I personally had a lot of fun watching this show. I also liked how they portrayed certain battles like the Civil War. My HBO rating is TV-14 for Intense epic battle sequences and warfare, some blood and gore, disturbing images, strong violence, and some brief rude language.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | History |
| Cast: | Barack Obama, Colin Powell, Liev Schreiber |
| Genre: | Educational |
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