Tools for this page
Print

Gone Too Far

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Adam Goldstein, Where to watch: MTV, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Reality addiction show is both earnest and exploitative.

Themes in this show include:   substance abuse

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Despite its often-rough content, the series sends a clear anti-drug message. The recovery process is clearly portrayed as difficult and -- thanks to Goldstein’s death -- sometimes tragically unsuccessful. The show also highlights how important family and friends are when it comes to making difficult choices to assist addicts in the recovery process.

  • Role models:

    Goldstein consistently claims that while he can’t cure addiction, he can offer addicts a path toward recovery -- and he does. He's also non-judgmental when speaking to addicts and their families. Unfortunately, Goldstein's efforts in the show are overshadowed by his own fatal drug overdose in real life.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Addicts often talk about how they steal and engage in other inappropriate behavior in order to finance their habit. Some yell and argue when faced with going into rehab.

  • Sex:

    There's always the potential for discussions about inappropriate sexual activity, prostitution, and other behavior that can become part of a drug addict's lifestyle.

  • Language:

    Words like “pissed” and “hell" are audible; those like “s--t” and “f--k” are bleeped.

  • Consumerism:

    Goldstein gives addicts Apple iPods and other gifts to help them deal a bit better with the recovery process.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Very graphic footage of drug use, ranging from swallowing and inhaling narcotics to injecting heroin with needles (bloody needle marks visible). One addict is shown shooting up while driving. Addicts are shown in pain and being given pills while medically detoxing. Alcohol consumption is also visible.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Gone Too Far

Parents need to know that this series -- which follows Adam "DJ AM" Goldstein as he attempts to help drug addicts turn toward recovery -- is haunted by the reality of Goldstein's August 2009 death from a drug overdose. Because of that, the show sometimes seems a little exploitative, but it firmly underscores how long and difficult recovering from drug addiction really is. It also sends the message that people, despite their own battles with addiction, can successfully reach out and help others. Expect very graphic images of people smoking and injecting drugs, as well as some strong language (words like “s--t” and "f--k" are bleeped).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about whether shows that focus on people’s struggles with addiction and recovery are really intended to help people. Or do you think it's more a voyeuristic kind of entertainment?
  • How do the circumstances of Goldstein’s death affect your opinion of the show? Do you think the series helps people learn more about addiction and recovery, or is it exploiting someone’s death for entertainment?
  • What’s the best way to talk to kids (and adults) about drugs and the dangers of addiction? Where can people who are struggling with addiction go for help in your community? Parents: Check out our advice on some of these topics.
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Gone Too Far?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    sammie267
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative role models

    Great show

    I love this show! I think that teens should watch this show because it shows you what happens to drug users! Also I am very sad that DJ AM had to go because he was such a good guy!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    New Moon Is Rising

    New Moon Is Rising

    Fans are gearing up for the 11/20 release.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Book of the Week

    Age 15+
    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Download This

    Age 10+
    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.