This show tells kids that everyone has a chance a fame in a good way. Even though they could bleep out some bad words, it's a fun entertaining family show that children seven and up should have no problem enjoying. As for consumerism, all shows have consumerisim from commercials, to food items and the cartoons on cereal boxes. I dont even think consumerism should be on common sense, it's not a big deal. Even Dora the explorer has bookbags,lunchboxes and clothes. Are you going to tell your kids not to watch that too?
American Idol
(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Ryan Seacrest, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Where to watch: Fox, DVD)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
The one that started it all; OK for tweens and up.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
What to watch out for
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Role models:
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of American Idol was written by Pam Gelman
Parents need to know that this hugely popular reality competition show has spawned countless other similar series. The judges' rapport and comments are as big a part of the show as the singing. Their feedback, primarily Simon Cowell's, can be severe and hurtful ("you remind me of a wasp," "that was terrible," "that was the worst one yet"), but these comments have become the show's signature and are expected by competitors and anticipated by viewers. People of all backgrounds and body types try out for the show, if only to get a few minutes to meet the judges and/or get their 10 seconds of fame. Contestants have been mocked for cross-dressing, lack of talent, strange attire, dressing/acting sexy, and general physical appearance. The camera lingers on contestants who respond to the judges with joy or bleeped obscenities, hand gestures, and tears. Parents should also know that the show is a walking advertisement, with commercial products embedded throughout.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about the audition process. Are the contestants who clearly have no singing ability auditioning for real or for fame? How can critiques be helpful to those who take the competition seriously? What's the difference between constructive and destructive criticism?
- What is talent, and what talents do your kids feel they have? Does this series inspire them? If so, in what way?
- What do kids think of the way the judges speak to the contestants?
- How is the show making money by having consumer products obvious at every turn?
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on American Idol
What’s the Story?
Every season, the AMERICAN IDOL judges -- Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul (2002-2009), Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, and Ellen DeGeneres -- and host Ryan Seacrest visit cities across the United States, judging thousands of hopeful singers. The program showcases performers at both ends of the spectrum: The very
good is saved for the competition, while the very bad (packaged as
clips from the contestant search) airs in the weeks prior to the
"official" season. The top contestants (24 or 36 total, depending on the season) move on to the semifinals, which involve weekly singing competitions and call-in votes from viewers (this phase of the show is usually much less mean-spirited than the early episodes). As viewers find favorites among the contestants, the show inevitably gains ground, buzz, and headlines. It all culminates when the last contestant standing is named the next American Idol.
Is It Any Good?
The contestants' emotional, sometimes astounding performances grab those watching at home, who also feel involved in the process, since their votes determine the show's outcome. The judges' often over-the-top personalities have become infamous, as well as reality-show benchmarks. And while adults know that Simon's putting on a performance with his constant jabs, for kids, is this the standard of judging we want modeled? It's worth thinking about.
Many contestants are clearly looking for their moment in the spotlight. But plenty of the Idol wannabes are in it because they're truly talented singers who are dreaming of a big break. Many winners and runners-up have gone on to become true pop stars, proving that the show's formula -- as unforgiving as it can be -- really does work.
Our Members Say
See all 133 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
A fun entertaining family show!!
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
American Idol is pretty good.
The last thing I watched on TV was American Idol. I think the show has a pretty good message and that is that if you can sing well you can go far. But if you can’t sing and you try out, then you’ll probably get laughed out of the room and the entire country will be laughing too. I really think it’s dumb that people make up stupid songs that get stuck in people’s heads. Then they buy the song, and the idiot that wrote it gets a lot of money for it. That’s really lame. It is pretty awesome when good singers that have had a hard way to go in life get a break and get on the show. They will get exposure and even if they don’t win they’ll probably get picked up by another record label and make it big anyway.
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Great Show
Great show there is some cursing but it is all beeped out. But definataly one of my personal favs!
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
KRIS ALLEN ROCKS!
Great show I love it. Simon disses people in the auditions. Watch it! The judges have coke every night it is not bad but it is product placement because American Idol is sponsored by Coke. Adam Lambert is gay though they found proof.
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
KRIS ALLEN ROCKS!
Great show I love it. Simon disses people in the auditions. Watch it! The judges have coke every night it is not bad but it is product placement because American Idol is sponsored by Coke. Adam Lambert is gay though they found proof.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 67% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 56% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
| 44% | of parents say they notice product placement |
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