 | 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. |
My Life as Liz
- MTV
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Spunky, somewhat edgy series shares teen girl's life.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that, even though this series is presented as a documentary-style "reality" show about a girl going through her senior year of high school, much of it feels at least partially scripted. So teens should know that they aren't necessarily watching actual events unfold ... at least, not exactly as they'd unfold in real life. On the up side, the show has some positive messages about shattering stereotypes and reaching out across chasms between cliques. But the characters' penchant for salty language (including heavy use of "douche" and terms like "hell," "damn," and "bitch," along with a few instances of bleeped curses) makes it an iffy choice for viewers who haven't yet hit high school themselves.
What's the story?
High school senior Liz Lee lets cameras capture her world in MY LIFE AS LIZ, a reality series about being a teenager in the small southern town of Burleson, Texas. According to Liz, most people in Burleson -- including her school's resident "shallow bitch squad" -- are too close-minded to get her against-the-grain style. But she's found some kindred souls in her best friends Sully, Troy, and Miles, and she's making inroads with Bryson, a cute boy who refuses to be categorized.
Is it any good?
It's tough to critique the merits of a show that proclaims to be real but often doesn't feel that way (many of the show's moments seem like they must be scripted). My Life as Liz would be just as effective if it were presented as a scripted drama and peopled with unknown actors instead of unknown teens. And aren't these teens already doing a good bit of acting anyway by allowing producers to set up cameras and get multiple-angle shots of their conversations? It's a wobbly world we weave.
So what is it about "reality" -- or at least the illusion of it -- that's seemingly so appealing to TV viewers? It could have something to do with the harsh reality that similarly themed teen dramas like My So-Called Life and Freaks and Geeks -- hailed by critics but largely ignored by audiences -- were ultimately canceled. Ouch.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what this show really is: Is it a reality show, or is it a scripted drama? And, more importantly, does that matter? What are some of the clues that it isn't entirely "real"?
Which characters do you relate to the most -- and who do you think is the most admirable? Do you see Liz as a positive role model? Does she always make the right decisions?
What does the show have to say about stereotypes? Have you ever had a preconceived notion about someone, only to realize later that you were wrong? Which is easier -- making a snap judgment about another person or getting to know them?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
It's okay...
This show is okay. It's pretty predicatable and can get boring though. The language isn't polite, but it isn't really bad.Also, the sexual parts aren't very sexual. The smallest amount of clothes are girls in bikinis and cleavage which I personally don't find very bad.
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AGE
perfect for mature tweens and teens (:
Love this show! It sends really positive messages to kids our age, telling them that it's OK to be different, and that sure some people might not take too well to your not fitting their cookie cutter image but that's OK, because who you are makes up YOU and that you shouldn't change just for other people who didn't like the real you. Liz iz (get it? Liz iz. *sigh* yeah I know. lame) a very positive role model who stands up for what she knows is right and doesn't let herself be molded into what others want her to become. Minus a few innuendos and the occasional swear word there's nothing to really be worried about here. Whether it's scripted or not, it's a fantastic reality show that I think people of all ages will enjoy (:
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AGE
Awesome
Love this show. It's got some language, some relationships, some happiness. A well rounded show. Can't wait for the next season.
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AGE
My Life as Liz
Not a bad show I guess. Not for me specifically, but would be perfect for todays youth.
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AGE
Wouldn't say its good for kids under my age
I dont think this would be a good show for kids younger than 12 to watch. Although it has good role models and messages it has quite a bit of swear words. It is a really good and funny show for kids 12+..even some of the humor would be above youngfer kids heads'.. i would say its fine for my age+.
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AGE
One of my favorites.
I think it's a really good, whimsical show. There isn't much bad about it, despite what the reviews say. Though if you enjoy reality TV drams, you may not like this.
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AGE
Mature tweens and teens will really love Liz!
This show really captures the essence of breaking free from stereotyping yourself and others. Liz is an independent character who is trying to live her life well, but finds herself to be a little different from everyone else. I believe that there is a little part of Liz in all of us, so watching her cope with her problems is very beneficial to everyone. The language and sexual references are a little iffy, but most teens have already been exposed to this kind of talk. Overall, My Life as Liz one of MTV's best shows. (:
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AGE
I've heard about this show but i never really gave it a chance. As i was watching this, it all seemed pretty staged and almost unrealistic. As a girl her age, a lot of this stuff doesn't happen in high school. I feel as if she sends a positive message to those that are more different. But the fact that all of these unrealistic events occur, sort of takes away from the experience of the show as a whole and makes it sort of cheesy. I personally feel as if it is to show younger kids about dramatic events in high school just like the movies which end up being pretty unrealistic in real life.
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AGE
On "My Life As Liz" shows her last year in High School. I think that this was a very good TV show for teens to show them that problems are every were.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | MTV |
| Cast: | Liz Lee |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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