NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THIS SHOW. THIS SHOW IS A FAMILY TRADITION!!! GO ADAM!! YOU GOT A PROBLEM WITH THE SHOW WHY DON' YOU GO TELL THAT TO SIMON.
American Idol
(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Ryan Seacrest, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Where to watch: Fox, DVD)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 |
Have you seen it? 
Most Recent Reviews
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title on for age 3 and give it
perfect for every age... 2 year olds will grow to like it.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
Love It!
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
Love It!
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Negative role models
A great show with a little bit of everthing in it!
American idol is a great show. The bad singers make you laugh out loud and the great singers make your jaw drop all the way down. But sometimes there can be very bad language and flirting between contestants and judges not to mention a whole bunch of product placement. and sometimes the conteststants call the judges GAY. But still very great show
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
ai
ai rox and so duz adam lambert
- I rate this title off for age 14 and give it
YOUR MIND WILL POP AFTER WATCHING THIS!!
that is all i have to say.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Flippant; Dated
This show was great in 2002 but after 7 years of relentless pop music, skimpy clothing and questionable guest performers, it definately won't be missed once its gone.
- I rate this title off for age 13 and give it
American's Idle
I attempted to watch American Idol several times because co-workers raved and raved about it. While not a fan of so-called 'reality' programming and not one to follow fads, I thought I'd give it a try anyway. "Dreadful" as Simon would say. Some people just think it's hilarious to see people being publicly humiliated (yes, many contestants have to know what they're getting into) but, watching and supporting it only feeds the negativity. I couldn't even get past that and immediately tuned out. I'm sure many fans will say "Just get past the criticism and watch the acts." Personally, I don't care for 'created' artists and those who've never paid their dues in the music world. American Idol has created a few performers who've held on to stardom just from their exposure on the show, but the majority have faded away. I really hope the show winds down as viewers tire of the format. From what I've heard of the most recent incarnation, it's more lackluster than ever and the shine has become a soft, dull luster of it's former self.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Love AI
I have followed this show since season 1 and enjoy watching it. I do not always agree with what has been said by everyone not ow it was said, but the idea that an unknown talent gets a chance to be seen and heard is desirable. AI just gives another open door for those who are ready. If the contestants are really paying attention from past contestants and comments, they will realize that it will help them to stay respectful despite what they hear and to remain open to criticism. I have seen many fail because they think they are good when they are not AND they cannot accept the criticism to make changes. They often come out cussing and blaming everyone else when they simply need to take a good unbiased look at themselves. Dissing back does not pay. Not in this contest. It is best for parents to watch the show with their young children (under 13) to provide guidance.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Great Family Show
We have watched this with our four kids for years (ages 12, 10, 7, and 3) It is boring for my youngest but it really is a great family gathering, it is fun to see those who can sing (I do think the auditions get tedious and can be quite mean, but once they are to the final 12 it is great!)
- I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
parents set the context
I think that American Idol can be a good family experience, but as with any television program, parents need to set the context and be available to hep children evaluate what they are seeing. Last year's win by David Cook was a standout. The message: a hardworking young man who had been learning,practicing and sacrificing for years got an opportunity to demonstrate his talents to a large audience. He also exemplified some of the highest held American values: loyalty to family and friends, respect, empathy for others, emotional honesty, gratitude and humility. He's used his win to become a voice for charities funding research against cancer. He's visited a children's hospital in the few days he took off from his post-idol album promotion campaign. He and his new band's first post idol concert series will be for our troups in the middle east. There aren't many better role models for our children to follow. I'm glad American Idol found David Cook and brought him into our lives.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Gay Bashing
We are fairly devoted fans of American Idol. I find it more than a little curious that there is no feedback, patrticulary under "Sex", makes no mention of the decidely mean and blatant criticism of contestants that appear to be gay, or effeminate. "Are you a girl or a boy?"etc. Have we become so de-sensitized to this type of discrimination? And don't tell me it is equal opportunity bashing because no other group would tolerate it if they were singled out for ethnic, cultural, political reasons. I would have expected more from "Common Mense" Media, especailly given the focus on children and the need to be senstive to this topic at an early age for their own sexual development as well as other children with whom they interact. My kids identify it this type of language as "bullying". Don't you?
- I rate this title on for age 16 and give it
Idol Found Game Over!!!
Season 2 was and will always be the best season ever due to the discovery of CLAY AIKEN! It has not been as good since and has slowly declined focusing too much on the judges and their antics and becoming a characture of themselves !
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Simon Says...
Been there, done that, wont do it again. It's rigged!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Who has time?
We don't watch TV. It's that simple.
- I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
- I rate this title off for age 13 and give it
I won't be tuning in with my family
I think that it is easy to let the commercial mindset of our society slowly creep its way into our homes and our children's minds. Everyone wants to be rich and famous and hit the "big-time". Television is so sensationalized that normal working lives and families aren't a good enough goal anymore. Everything has to be bigger and better. Some of the young women on the show use their bodies and lack of clothing to many times sell their image instead of their talent. I don't want my daughter to learn to depend on her looks for her success. It is by far not the most immoral, indecent show on television. But while there may be something positive to be gained from the show, I'm not willing for my children's mindset to be influenced by the negative. Why has our culture become so obsessed with watching other people live their lives instead of living ours anyway?
- I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
American Idolatry
I think that besides the awful music, and that the show is really an overblown, over-hyped Karaoke show, it's a terrible show that mostly teaches people to be derisive and judgmental. It also teaches people that there are only a few "correct" ways to sing a song, which is of course not the case. Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, Thom York, Fiona Apple and many more wonderful song stylists would never have made it past the 1st or 2nd round. I do recognize the value of teaching people that dreams can come true if you work hard, etc., however, the way they present this is quite exclusionary on a stylistic level, and that could have the effect of forcing a child who had musical aspirations to abandon them if the child felt as if it didn't sound like the "winners" on the show. Proper parental guidance would help in keeping this from happening, but then music is such an abstract topic that perhaps parents who aren't musicians themselves would be at a loss. Then we run the risk of quelling the desire of a child who may have something unique to bring to the musical world.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
harmless fun
My kids, now 7 and 12, have watched this since its inception, and of all the things on TV, this is one of the most harmless (albeit mindless) shows they watch. Plus, there's nothing wrong with my kids seeing a little friendly, healthy competition, where the worst thing that will happen to the losing party is being told(gasp!) that they cannot sing. :)
- I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
American Idol is the BEST
This show has spawned some of the best talent in years. David Archuleta is a wonderful role model for young people. I don't know what your problem is with American Idol, but obviously you haven't watched it.
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
Fun show
This show does get old after a while, and the auditions in my opinion is the best part. The language is a little iffy, but later in the show there is very little of it. A fun show to watch with your kids.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Amazing
This show is the best reality show i have ever seen. All of my friends and Family enjoy watching it and i think that it is appropriate for kids 10 and up. Sometimes the contestants act horribly and there is some language but overall it is a great family show ! I reccomend it to everyone
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
American Idol is a fun, suspenseful, and entertaining family show. Parents should know that there is occasional strong frofanity (bleeped, but context is still there), as well as some very mean criticism in the early stages. Some mild innuendos and a lot of sexy dressing. Overall, it is pretty good for 8+.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
American Idol
Sexual Content (Not an Issue): Some skimpy outfits. Violence (Not an Issue): None. Language (Pause): Ass, suck, crap. Anything stronger is beeped out. Social Behavior (Not an Issue): None. Commercialism (Pause): Lots of product placement. The show is a huge marketing empire for Fox. Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco (Not an Issue): Paula is known to act stoned sometimes, but no drinking is depicted.
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- 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!!!!!
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Good outweights the bad....GREAT SHOW!!
This is a great show!!! my only concern is some of the language used in the auditions...although they beep most of the really bad stuff out. Also, some of the contestants aren't really the people you want to look up to. They get voted off in the beginning most of the time :) On the flip side,some of the contestants are great role models. They are humble and gracious people. Finally, the show has a great message. (anyone can become who they want to be if they work hard) I LOVE American Idol and i can't wait for the season to start!! :)
- I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
One of my favorite TV shows ever! Awesome!
Most inappropriate part for young kids are the auditions. Lots of people swear when they're angry, and it's very emotional. Other than that, one of the judges might swear once and a while and girls (even the judges) sometimes wear suggestive clothing.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
This show is great but it is a scam!
Okay I started watching American Idol during season 7. I loved it. Loved David Cook!! So this season I was like who can top David Cook?? Well, Adam Lambert topped him! As soon as I heard Adam sing for the first time I was speechless! His voice was utterly amazing and Kris's (The winner's) voice does not even compare. There's no way anyway out in the music word in the past, present, or future is going to be able to top Adam. My whole thing with this show is that yeah it's good for entertainment, but it's a scam. It was so rigged this year it wasn't even funny. You just have to compare Adam and Kris's voice and know it was rigged. Danny also got cheated and should have made it to the finales. But what makes me mad is that they hired Ellen Degeneres, to show they have nothing against gay people. And guess what, they do! That's the ONLY reason they did not want Adam to win. Another thing is that this year they have a whole list of guest judges. This means the viewers are going to be more focused on the judges and the show is supposed to be about the contestants, not the judges!! After Adam lost the ratings went wayyy down. Especially after Paula left. When Simon leaves after this season I have no idea how they're going to continue this show. But hey if you like singing and knowing your vote doesn't matter then you'll like this show. Also for you Adam fans I just got to let you know. at&t handed out free phones at Kris Allen parties and taught teens how to block text (sending hundreds of messages at one time) This is how Kris won. It's also cheating, but American Idol decided to overlook it and they know Adam really won. Why do you suppose Adam goes every with Kris?? It's because he really won and they don't want to cheat Adam out of all the gigs. Yes, I really wished Adam won, but I can tell you his CD will sell more copies then Kris's and Kris will fade into the background in like 2 years and become like Taylor Hicks:disowned by American Idol.
- I rate this title on for age 3 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Oh My God, Don't Even Get Me Started!
Wow, this is my favorite show of all time! I've been watching since day 1, and I love, love, love this show! If this was ever cancelled, I would die! I even love DVRing them, and watching them 4 months after the season is over! Runs January to May. My Favorite Contestants (All Seasons) Season 1. Nikki McKibbin, Kelly Clarkson 2. Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, Julia DeMato 3. Jennifer Hudson, George Huff 4. Jessica Sierra, Bo Bice, Anthony Fedorov, Carrie Underwood, Scott Savol 5. Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler 6. Jordin Sparks, Phil Stacey, Melinda Doolittle 7. Jason Castro, David Archuleta, Carly Smithson 8. Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Scott MacIntyre, Michael Sarver
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Yay!
Oa but its gonna lose millions because of paulas byebye
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
My whole family watches this show. It's a great show for families to watch! They advertise Coca-Cola and Ford too much though. But it's a really cool show!
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive consumerism
hardly advertised, the judges' cup all say Coca-Cola largely, and the finalists take a music video of the sponsor's products, which was Ford for this season.
- I rate this title on for age 3 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
a great family show
Its great and its appropiate for pretty much all ages. my three year old little sister is always saying, "oh mommy i like her hair" or, "shes a good singer!" that just shows its a good family show.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
lovitttt
i love this show-wish theyd change the name, because i know that sometimes it can turn parents away...the "idol" part. but cool show, very fun to follow. they bleep out most everything wrong. cool...:D
- I rate this title on for age 3 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
a good show that anyone can watch
i think it's a show that even first graders can watch. it's a show of singing and they bleep out anyghing wrong. the winners are great rolemodels for kids. i love this show alot.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Negative role models
Blah! :(
This show is a total waste of time, money, and product placements it is basicly music videos and commercials, and people saying pay us a buck so that this dude can win a record deal. A total Waste of Money!
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive consumerism
- Negative role models
Remember, never idolize the Idols; they're not exactly good people.
There is no need to tell you why American Idol is a wonderful show: it's entertaining to watch millions of people try out for the same spot, and watching it get narrowed down to the one final person. My issues with the show are since this is the 'Idol' how some of them aren't exactly people I would want my non-existent children to look up to. (E.G.: Adam Lambert posted pictures all over the internet with him acting sexually with men, multiple crotch grabs/David Hernandez was a prostitute/etc) As for the consumerism, you can't go an entire show without watching something about Coca-Cola, Ford, or some artist.
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
good show
This show is pretty good. Its something to watchvb that will probely intrest you. theres also not alot of suggestive humor. theres only some mlid language. good show.
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Really Fantabulous, Depending On What You Like...
This show depends on what you like. Personally, I LOVE this show. But I know people who think it is boring and want to change the channel. As for the age recommendation, my sister is 7 and she watches the show, likes it, but doesnt always get everything thats going on. There isnt really any problems about this show.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
Great show but is more marketing than substance. However, there's nothing overly offensive in it and is a great conversation starter with families and friends.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Love it
Great Show.I like how simon acts
- I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
ADAM LAMBERT!
I love American Idol. I love Adam. I'll CRY when he is gone.(he won't go though!)There are alot of aewsome people on it though. It is awesome. enough said.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
I like it a lot!
I like this show a lot. Season 9 is a good year because for the first time someone really grabbed me instead of being OK on my book. I really like Adam Lambert! I download most of his performances on Itunes! American Idol is a great marketing tool for Itunes. I do like how it has such a strong and positive messages. For all ages! I do have to say if I have to miss it because I am out I don't mind. But I also have to say as soon as Adam gets voted off (witch he wont because he is so good) I will stop watching it. So I do have do agree with some reviewers about how it gets tired-some! :]
- I rate this title off for age 10 and give it
It's OK
this show is OK, but what the judges say isn't always very nice, and what some of the outfits look like (to much body showing, etc) and sometimes the songs are a little sexy, and no one under age 10 should be watching this whatsoever.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
I absolutly love this show. It is one of the best shows on television. I love watching all of the great (and horrible) performances. Simon's critizism and all of the weird people are a lot of what makes the show great. I don't see anything wrong with any of the things common sence said were bad. It's a great show. It is pretty much appropriate for anyone who wants to watch it, especially since anyone under about 8 won't want to watch it anyways.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
ai rox
i think that american idol is one of my favorite shows and that it is pretty good for all aged kids as long as an adult is present for there is some bad language in this tv show. now i will talk about birds and what they do. the birds like to fly and spread the flu and give fleas to other human children. now i will talk about nickelodeon and how deliciously awesome it actually is. it is way better than any of the channels that you weird peeps watch, unless that is what you watch. yay the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the thte htehtethe thethehtehe het eth the hte thethe ththe thethehtehtkjhsfvdsklyt hfnecdfvgbnhmj,k.sdfghjklxcvbnm,xcvbnm,cvbnm,xcvbnm,.dcvbnm,xscvbnmsxdcfvbnmdfghjklrtyuidghkjfhsdkrfyhoitgrtikweur9owrhwekjfhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhh hhh hhh h h h h h h h h h h hh h h hh h h h h h h hh hh h hh h h h h h hh hh h h h
- I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
SO GOOD
i love the additons the most because there are some really bad ones.the stuff thats not the additons isnt as good.not for kids under the age of 6
