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So You Think You Can Dance

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Cat Deeley, Lauren Sanchez, Nigel Lythgoe, Where to watch: Fox, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Dance version of Idol struts its stuff.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The contestants work very hard to polish their performances, and the show clearly appreciates those with skill and dedication. But judges also make harsh comments to some competitors: "You look like the Bride of Chucky," "That was a bad car accident," etc.
  • Role models:

    The majority of the competitors are passionate about dancing and dedicated to working hard to achieve their goals. The judges, on the other hand, are a mixed bag, ranging from positive and supportive to negative and catty.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some dancers fall and get hurt (blood and bruises) during auditions.
  • Sex:

    Some suggestive dance moves. Very skimpy outfits worn by some female dancers.
  • Language:

    Generally quite mild.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Competitors have talked about past experiences with alcohol addiction.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About So You Think You Can Dance

Parents need to know that this series is the brainchild of Simon Cowell and bears many similarities to his mega hit American Idol. In the early auditions, some aspiring dancers are clearly looking for their 15 minutes of fame, while others are earnest but lacking in skills. And a few are physically hurt in the process. The judges can be mean-spirited in their critiques of the dancers. When the dancers are good, it's awe-inspiring, but there's too much fluff to sort through to get to the real meat of the show. Once the final 20 are selected, wannabe hoofers young and old will enjoy the competition.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the amount of hard work, patience, and strength it takes to make it as a dancer. Do you think you could do it?
  • What do you think of the judges' critiques? Which ones are constructive? How can someone bounce back from such disappointment?
  • How do you feel about the competitors who weren't serious about the audition? Do you think that impacts the show's integrity?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about So You Think You Can Dance?
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See all 22 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    10+ :)

    i can't dance:) i love this show though. but mary murphy(judge) is the most annoying peson alive. and i don't think cat deely is a real name. go karen:) i just started watching season 8 and i love itt.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Perfect for Children

    I love this show, mostly because I'm a dancer. the worst words they say is a-s and d-n.

  3. I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 3.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Alright for 5 and up after final 20 are picked

    Some dance moves are very sexual in nature (Latin ballroom) but it is just dance and it's amazing to see how far people can come with perseverance and dedication. My kids enjoy watching it but I don't let them watch it until after the final 20 are selected.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title on and give it 0.0

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    This is my FAV tv show!!!!! I luv it!!!

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