Frontline (PBS)
common sense media says
Hard-hitting news documentaries for teens and up.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this news documentary series provides thoughtful, provocative insight on current events as a way of raising public awareness of contemporary issues. While the series overall is educational, some installments include in-depth interviews and video footage that may be too strong for younger viewers. (Of course, chances are that most kids -- including plenty of teens -- won't really be clamoring to see a news-focused series anyway.)
Positive role models:
The reporters featured on the show are some of the best in the business and are seen asking tough questions and getting to the bottom of important stories. But they're not the focus of the stories. Instead, viewers will see examples of people who have done things both very wrong, and very right.
Violence:
Some episodes discuss violent events, such as war, terrorism, and rebellion. The accompanying images can be harrowing, but there's no active violence, per se.
Sex:
Some of the installments discuss issues of a sexual nature (sex-slave trade, etc.). These discussions are presented as informational content.
Language:
Occasional mild language, such as "damn."
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products are sometimes visible as part of the documentation of events. Addiction and drug/alcohol-related deaths are sometimes discussed. Use of legal and illegal narcotics, such as treatments for AIDS and cancer, are also talked about.
More on Frontline
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Most useful reviews by all members
gospurs57
adult
adult
An excellent newsmagazine
PBS has been known to push the envelope with some shows. In 1999, an episode of "Frontline" aired containing the f-word, along with other strong language, and suggestive content. Only private parts were censored. That episode should've been rated TV-MA; an edited version could've received a TV-PG, but even that is pushing the envelope. New episodes are very tame compared to that 1999 episode and cover a wide variety of topics including the war in Iraq and the media industry. I highly recommend this for anyone interested in current events, though most teens won't watch unless it's for school.
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Synchronicity
teen, 18 years old
teen, 18 years old
Just like any other PBS late-night series: excellent!
Into current events? Well, this show is for you. Frontline is basically a newsmagazine that covers diverse topics. A few: the media industry and teenagers, the use of psychoactive drugs in children, so-called "safe" alternatives to cigarettes, the Iraq War, international healthcare systems, and our bad economy. The appropriateness of Frontline depends on the topic. Some episodes are benign but intense; others are not for anyone under 14. One example of an episode of this caliber is The Merchants of Cool, about the media industry's marketing tactics towards teens like me. Since the entire episode has to do with the teen media of that time period (late 2000-early 2001, I believe), the episode has some pretty offensive content, such as 3 f-bombs (rare for PBS) and some pretty disgusting sexual content. But it's not out of context. That's the thing; any Frontline episode with offensive content never takes it out of context. It's not supposed to titillate the viewer; it's supposed to inform them. Frontline is a good show, and I highly recommend it.
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