 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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Making His Band
- MTV
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Diddy makes his own band -- and heavily promotes it.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that teens who watch this reality show will basically be tuning in to a weekly commercial for Diddy's latest project. But even though the promotional element is obvious, it comes along with a healthy dose of reality about the music business that shows kids how hard you have to work to succeed. Language is essentially a non-issue, though there's some adult-oriented discussion about the fact that one of the female back-up singers is actually a man (more specifically, a pre-op transsexual). Aside from that, it's an age-appropriate choice for teens and even some more mature tweens who have a passion for music.
What's the story?
After years of focusing on other artists' careers, Sean "Diddy" Combs is putting himself out there in MAKING HIS BAND, a reality series that follows his attempts to launch an album and form the ultimate backing band to accompany him on tour. Whittling down the prospective pool of musicians is a formidable task, but he's got help from an impressive staff of music professionals, including music directors, vocal coaches, choreographers, and producers.
Is it any good?
If you look forward to Making the Band marathons, are truly interested in the music business, and aren't already suffering from Diddy overload, there's a lot here to keep you coming back for more. After all, it's an eye-opening process as Diddy and his production staff move from open audition calls to callbacks to small-group performances -- and, ultimately, to rehearsals with the newly formed band, featuring the impressive talents of those who made the grade.
On the downside, there's nothing truly new here, other than Diddy's willingness to peel back his larger-than-life music mogul persona and reveal a little vulnerability as an artist ... even if it only lasts for a few seconds. On the upside, if your teen loves to sing or wants to play an instrument and has dreams of becoming a superstar, this series is a great way to reinforce the importance of developing talent the old-fashioned way: practice, practice, practice.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about whether the show is designed solely to entertain or whether it's meant to function as a promotional vehicle. How does having a weekly show help Diddy promote his upcoming album? Would the album be as successful without the show?
Does the amount of hard work that goes into creating a band surprise you? How many hours of practice have these musicians and singers put in to get to this level? Does it discourage you or encourage you to learn to play an instrument?
Do you see Diddy as a positive role model? Does hearing more about the roots of his love for music change the way you feel about him as an artist?
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | MTV |
| Cast: | Sean P. Diddy Combs |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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