See more TV reviews

Can You Duet (CMT)

common sense media says

Contest plays up teamwork, but some iffy stuff.

parents & educators say
See all 3 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this country music competition show -- in which hopeful twosomes compete for a major recording contract -- is a lot like American Idol . It highlights the hard work that goes into succeeding in the industry, and the judges offer lots of constructive criticism and actually work with the contestants to improve their performances. Overall, the content is on the milder side, but there's some infrequent strong language ("hell" and "ass"), a bit of sexual innuendo, and -- unlike -- on Idol occasional visible drinking and smoking. Watch out for tension-filled arguments in later episodes, too.

Positive messages: The competition demonstrates the hard work that goes into becoming a country music duo. Judges offer lots of constructive criticism and work with the contestants to improve their performances. Some friendships are tested when duos are split up. The contestants are primarily Caucasian.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Some mild sexual innuendo. Lots of lyrics about love, heartbreak, and -- during one brief moment -- cheating and a messy divorce. The audition phase includes a "singles room" in which single artists can "mingle" to find someone to duet with in order to be eligible.
Language: Occasional use of words like "ass" and "hell."
Consumerism: Lots of references to popular country songs and successful country duos, especially The Judds. The winners' recording contract is with Sony BMG Nashville. Briefly shows Hooters Restaurant and refers to "Hooter Girls."
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some references to and consumption of alcohol, including beer and hard liquor. Smoking is occasionally visible (mostly in the audition process).
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Can You Duet

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what it takes to become a country music star. What additional challenges does a country music "duo" face (over a solo performer) when trying to break into the industry? How do judges (and audiences) know when two talented people shouldn't sing together? Is there a certain sound or look that they need to have? Families can also discuss their favorite country musicians. How did they get their big break? Would you ever want to try a competition like this? Why or why not? How does this show compare to American Idol? Which do you like better? Why?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In latest would-be American Idol CAN YOU DUET, aspiring country music pairs work hard to become a harmonious duo both on and off the stage so they can survive each phase of competition. Each performance is judged by country singer Naomi Judd (half of superstar country music duo The Judds), renowned voice coach Brett Manning, and award-winning songwriter Aimee Mayo. At stake is the chance to compete live on stage and win a major recording deal.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Unlike Idol, Can You Duet's judges spend a lot of their energy actually assisting with the vocal development of each pair of contestants, as well as providing lyrical and performance advice. But while the competitors are spared from sharp, Simon Cowell-like insults, the real tension comes from learning how to grow creatively and perform as a twosome rather than just focusing on individual talent. For some that means redefining their already established musical act. For others it means building a professional and personal rapport with another singer after splitting from their original musical partner to pursue their dream -- a decision that can potentially stir up feelings of guilt and disloyalty.

Hosted by Rossi Morreale, the show highlights some of the unique challenges that go into producing a winning duet, as well as the hard work that goes into creating a successful country music performance. While the series' content is fairly tame overall, there's some occasional strong language ("ass," "hell"), mild sexual innuendo, and occasional drinking and smoking. That makes it little iffy for young kids, but mature tweens and teen country fans will find it entertaining.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: CMT
Cast: Brett Manning, Naomi Judd, Rossi Morreale
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: CMT
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

Review It

 

Review Can You Duet

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

skater_gurl123
teen, 15 years old
 
Worst Show Ever...
This is the most downright AWFUL show ever!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (4)
kit kitteridge
kid, 12 years old
 
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (2)
jennisongbird
parent of and 10 , 12 , 15 , 17 , 20 year old
8
 
Love the show!!
The show wasn't as "belittling" as AI. The judges actually gave advice instead of just tearing the contestants down. The contestants also weren't being judged on how "cute" they were! The voice was what mattered, not the look! Refreshing!!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (3)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see Can You Duet?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more TV
About our rating system
ON: Content is 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
Our child development rating guidelines