America's Got Talent

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Fun-filled, family-friendly reality show.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although the majority of acts that appear on America's Got Talent are tame, a few include sexualized behavior, insensitive jokes, and other potentially offensive behaviors. Strong vocab ('hell," "Goddamn") is sometimes audible (occasional curses are "bleeped"), and snarky remarks are sometimes exchanged between rejected contestants and judges. Acts occasionally incorporate sharp objects, weapons, and other potentially harmful props. On rare occasions contestants get hurt when tricks go awry. Sponsor logos for products like Snapple are prominently visible.

  • Contestants are praised for doing their best (one who asks to try again makes it to the next round after nailing his act). Obviously, everyone wants to win. A few acts verge on offensive.
  • The judges offer criticism equally to all contestants. Most of the time it is fair. Contestants are from all walks of life and most are trying their best to show off their hard-earned talent.
  • Sometimes acts feature potentially dangerous stunts involving weapons. On a rare occasions contestants have gotten injured when their acts go awry, but no injuries or blood is visible.
  • Occasionally musicians and other artists appear in sexy outfits in hopes of gaining favor with the judges. Acts sometimes include strip teases, pole dances, and other sexualized behavior (some of which is decidedly not erotic).

What's the story?

In NBC's reality competition series AMERICA'S GOT TALENT, aspiring performers duke it out on stage before three celebrity judges who will decide if they get to go on to the next round to compete for the chance to win $1 million. Performers attempt to impress by dancing, singing, playing instruments, and other creative performances. If the judges don't like what they see, they can hit an "X" button in front of them -- and once performers have racked up three Xs they're sent packing. But if they impress, they graduate to the next round. Throughout it all, the judges offer their criticism, and explain why they believe the contestant has/doesn't have the star quality they are looking for.


Is it any good?

 

Sound familiar? It should. That's because the show is an almost exact replica of Fox's American Idol -- no surprise, since it's produced by original Idol judge Simon Cowell, who over the years has lined up celebrity judges like David Hasselhoff, Howie Mandel, Sharon Osborne and even a surprisingly gentle Howard Stern to "yea" or "nay" each act's performance. Though the show plays out on a glitzy stage with sophisticated lighting, thanks to the wide variety (and quality) of the acts it often feels like a high-school talent show. But it has also evolved into a venue that allows for truly creative, inspirational performers that don't fit into conventional entertainment venues to shine.

It showcases lots of talent, but early elimination rounds sometimes feature acts that border on the ridiculous. But the judges treat everyone equally in their criticism, and everyone -- from the contestants to the audience to the judges (who, for the most part, are friendlier than those on Idol) -- seems to enjoy themselves. It's great fun for the family to enjoy together.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about what makes each of us uniquely talented. What would your kids' talent be if they were on the show? Why is it important to cultivate something we're good at?

  • Although no one wants to be a quitter, are there times when something isn't worth pursuing? How can you tell when that is?

  • Why do you think some contestants use their sexuality to appeal to judges and viewers?


This review was written by Lucy Maher
Kid, 13 years old
July 25, 2010
 
Perfect for people who love to be AMAZED
Very cool show. I love the talent. Some contestants have a few weird acts (i.e. genital explosions, putting drills through peoples throats, swallowing things, etc.)

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Teen, 15 years old
September 13, 2010
 
MY FAVORITE SHOW
This is my FAVORITE show ever. I love all the acts in this show. The season 5 shows are out of this world. I am a huge fan of Jackie Evancho!!

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Kid, 10 years old
June 14, 2011
 
just cover their eyes
This show is very exciting and its good to have popcorn sitting on your lap while watching. Some auditions are not appropriate for children. When you see any blood, nudeness, or just not right, just cover your kid's eyes.

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Teen, 15 years old
August 20, 2010
 
Perfect!
I really like to watch the show. And I think kids would love to watch it. it just show that you should follow your dreams.

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Kid, 13 years old
January 3, 2011
 
America's got talent is alright for anybody.
I do love this show, but some content that could be a little iffy. Some contestants that are comedians do have some mild vulgar topics. I believe that anyone can watch this show because of some really nice talent is involved. It sometimes inspires people if the contestant has something that bad has happened to them in the past. I strongly recommend any parent to let their kids watch this show.

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Kid, 13 years old
August 6, 2010
 
Great for older kids
It's a great show for people of all talents. Since people wouldn't watch a show about the best dog show or the best magician. It's a great show. However, some acts made disturb small children because of sexy girls or creepy stunts. I will warn you though, there's a preety good toe dancer. (that's sarcastic)

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Adult
April 5, 2010
 
Just about anyone can watch it, and will probably laugh at bad acts.
I started watching it on the last season with my mom. Some people are just ignorant at how they will inevitably fail. One of the biggest fails was a choir teacher who sang "Over the Rainbow" as if he were completely tone deaf, but there is no worries on this program, and some of the acts are wonderful. The judges can end the tryout at anytime by giving the person the X's which is always funny. Great show.

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Adult
August 30, 2010
 
Before you catch “America’s Got Talent” why don’t you tune early and check their sweet new game show “Minute to Win It”? An extra hour of fun? Ummm…count me in! It’s so funny and cool and Guy Fieri is awesome. GO NBC!

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Teen, 16 years old
August 21, 2011
 
shut up reviews
ok for 8 year olds

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Teen, 14 years old
April 9, 2011
 
A show that's exciting to watch, but forces parents to take risks.
You never truley know what a contestant is going to do or say (usually during auditions)that may have younger kids watching something they shoudn't be. Last season, Howie made sexual comments on two belly dancers and said he "wanted to take them home," a magician did a stripper rountine, and a guy lit his private part on fire. Language like d*mn, and h*ll makes it even worse for little kids. And since most of the season is live there is nothing anyone can do to stop a contestant's, or judges naughty behavior. The show is fun and "fresh" but it's made for mature audiences.

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This review was written by Lucy Maher
This review was written by Lucy Maher
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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