 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Dancing with the Stars
- ABC
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
High-kicking series has cross-generational appeal.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this reality competition is a fun choice for families and has good messages for fans of any age about the rewarding process of taking on new challenges. The dancers are models for young viewers of strength, athleticism, determination, and confidence, and they accept accolade and criticism with grace. Female dancers often wear revealing outfits and men show off their chests, and many of the dance styles require the couples to show off some sex appeal. Young kids probably won’t be interested for long, but older ones who can appreciate the scope of the participants’ dedication to the process will enjoy the show.
What's the story?
DANCING WITH THE STARS is a reality competition that pairs professional ballroom dancers with celebrities and challenges them to learn a new style of dancing each week. Celebrity participants have included Hollywood legends, pop stars, rappers, politicians, and professional athletes, most of whom have little to no dancing experience before the show. The dancing pro’s put them through their own boot camp of sorts in preparation for their weekly performances, which are scored by a panel of three judges before being voted on by the viewing audience. The lowest-scoring couple is eliminated each week.
Is it any good?
This is the rare show that can be enjoyed and appreciated by all generations. The dancing is always entertaining, and at times it’s also inspiring, reminding viewers of the rewards of taking the leap into new challenges in life at any age. The show celebrates the joy of fair competition, the benefits of determination, and the self-affirming nature of conquering fear.
Parents may want need to explain to kids why the female dancers wear skimpy outfits and get judged on their sex appeal, and there is some mild language ("ass," "suck," etc.) that isn’t appropriate for young kids. But mostly there’s nothing to worry about, and it may just encourage you and your family to tackle something new of your own.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the stereotypes that exist about dancers. Were the dancers in this show what you expected to see? Did any of them surprise you? What are the dangers of making assumptions about groups of people?
Kids: What does it feel like to be criticized? What is the difference between constructive criticism and negative criticism? How does hearing a critique encourage you to improve?
In what ways are the participants in this show good role models? Do they ever express that they’re afraid of any aspect of the competition? How can fear be a motivator? Does it seem to motivate their efforts?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Good for Teens
Been watching this show since I was six. It is really a family show, and there are good role models there.
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AGE
Great music and dancing...
Too bad there have to be commercials. I don't feel a family show should have 'teasers' for Desperate Housewives in which clothes are ripped off and people are in bed. My ten year old covered her eyes during the commercial and asked me to tell her when it was over. We'll be taping and watching later when we can zoom past the inappropriate commercial content.
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AGE
Been watching since I was EIGHT!!!
They always bleep out bad words and I don't find it an issue. And if the outfits were too skimpy, then would they really allow them on tv? I love the show and I'm watching the 2011 season premiere right now, the judges are really alive and Bruno is absolutely hilarious. Anyone who likes dancing (no matter the age) will love DWTS!!!
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AGE
Good for entartaniment no real meaning
I think this show is just for fun. I still watch it!
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Kid, 12 years old
October 6, 2010
AGE
language problems
Great show
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AGE
This show: The best!
This is the best show in a while. it is cute. I think that if you are a dancer, or you like dancing then you will like this show. I suggest this show as a family show. I hope you like my review
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AGE
Inappropriate Costumes
Eew. This show is so sex-filled it's gross. The girl dancers wear inappropriate costumes. I once saw a lady in a bikini top wearing a short, stringy skirt over her underwear (or what looked like underwear) and one lady in a backless dress with a cut in the skirt up to the waist and a low-cut top. They're kind of saying that you have to undress for success, and they're kind of portraying women as vamps and things like that. I wished their clothes didn't show off their bodies.
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AGE
LOVE THIS SHOW
This show is interesting! Every season I watch it and cheer on my favorite star. There is some stuff that might not be appropriate for younger kids, like women often wear revealing clothing and men sometimes are shirtless. Also, judges tell the stars sometimes to be more sexy or that they are sexy. In practices sometimes stars use some bad words, but not that often. Overall, this is a great show that I always get into!
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AGE
Love, love, love this show!
This is one of my favorite TV shows. It's so entertaining. It's fun to watch a celebrity with no dance experience turn in to a graceful, elegant dancer. There is some language and some revealing outfits, though.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | ABC |
| Cast: | Lisa Canning, Samantha Harris, Tom Bergeron |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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