The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Reality docuseries demystifies the Jackson family.
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

Not yet rated

Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality docuseries follows the Jackson brothers (with the exceptions of Randy and Michael) as they work to produce a 40th anniversary album and show. While the series highlights the brothers' relationship and the positive role that family plays in their life, it's overshadowed by Michael's fame and death. Overall the show is pretty mild for a "celebreality" series, but there's some bickering between the brothers and some salty language (mostly of the “damn" and “ass” variety; curse words muted or bleeped).

  • Family is important to the Jacksons, and the show makes that clear. The brothers also make concerted efforts to overcome sibling rivalry and work well together. But the series also feels a bit exploitative of Michael's fame and death, which hangs over the whole thing.
  • The brothers don’t always agree, but they do try to get along both personally and professionally. There's a subtle attempt to put an end to controversial rumors about Michael Jackson, the relationship with their father Joe Jackson, and the alleged conflicts between the siblings.
  • Frequent arguments between the brothers. Occasional quips about things like giving each other a black eye when they're upset (but no physical fighting is shown).
  • Not applicable.
  • Words like “damn," “ass,” and “screw” are audible. Occasional profanity like “s--t” is bleeped or muted out.
  • The series promotes both the new and the classic Jackson 5 “brand." Solo music by Michael Jackson is also featured, and there are references to other Motown groups (like The Supremes). Apple computers are visible.
  • Wine is occasionally drunk with a meal.

What's the story?

THE JACKSONS: A FAMILY DYNASTY follows four of the famous Jackson brothers -- Tito, Marlon, Jermaine, and Jackie -- as they come together to produce a 40th anniversary record. Cameras follow along as they interact with their families, work through their sibling rivalry, and overcome creative differences to produce an album that's worthy of the Jackson 5 brand. The series also shows how the brothers cope with the June 2009 death of their youngest brother, Michael


Is it any good?

 

The Jacksons offers viewers a glimpse into the Jackson brothers' family lives, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into to producing their music and relaunching their musical career. It also provides a unique chance to see the brothers interact with each other and openly discuss some of the heavily publicized issues that have impacted their relationship.

Sadly, much of what happens is overshadowed by the legacy of their younger brother, who died only a few days into the show’s filming. The emotional tributes to Michael -- as well as the constant conversations about his family -- seem to be what pushes this rather-slow moving docuseries along. But Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson fans will probably be drawn in by the music, as well as the chance to see the legendary family off-stage and in their homes.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about why celebrities and/or entertainers agree to appear on reality shows. Why do you think the Jacksons wanted to do this show? Was it just for promotional purposes? How "real" do you think they are in front of the cameras?

  • How does Michael Jackson's death impact the show? Parents: Get tips for talking about reality TV with your kids.


This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Parent of 14 year old
January 4, 2010
 
Good for teens +
LOVE IT!!!!

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Teen, 14 years old
April 30, 2010
 
perfect for tweeens
its ok but some of the brothers whines to their mother and fights over petty things but i give it a okay show

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Kid, 12 years old
March 20, 2010
 
i love the jacksons !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but this show is bad (good just said it cause mj said it hee hee ) the messages are ok cause they show that when u loose a famliy member rhat u can deal with it embrace it

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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:A&E
Cast:Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Tito Jackson
Genre:Reality TV

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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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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