BEST SHOW EVER! GO KRIS ALLEN!
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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(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10. -
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
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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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
About American Idol
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.
Read our full review by Pam Gelman
Families Can Talk About
- 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? Other good topics of discussion include talent -- what is it, 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? Also, how is the show making money by having consumer products obvious at every turn?
Our Members Say
See all 119 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Excessive consumerism
This show rocks!
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Excessive consumerism
This show rocks!
BEST SHOW EVER! GO KRIS ALLEN!
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
A competition show that led to many more... Very good!
American Idol truly showcases people's singing talents, and it is awesome to be able to hear them & the judges' critiques. It can be funny at times. I am always routing for people! It's great that it seems like the seasons keep on getting better and better, along with the singers.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
AMAZING AND PERFECT! GO DANNY!
Amazing show, nothing wrong with it whatsoever.
- I rate this title off for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
awsome show i love it!!!!! exsept simon is EVIL!!!!!
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Ratings at a Glance
| 80% | of parents say they notice product placement |
| 60% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 60% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
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