Common Sense Media Review
By Kate Pavao
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gritty -- but provoking -- reality show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
True Life
What's the Story?
TRUE LIFE tackles issues such as young parents dealing with custody fights, students struggling with the prescription drug Adderall, and two men who do bizarre jobs for money. Some of the episodes are meatier than others, but they are all relatively engaging, and can even be thought-provoking.
Is It Any Good?
This is still voyeurism: Viewers are watching people in often desperate situations, and may have an impulse to simply shake their heads as a pregnant teen pulls a drag on a cigarette, or a sideshow freak puts a snake up his nose. But when they get over the thrill of being judgmental, they will find plenty of material in True Life that may inspire discussion -- and even activism. The episode about "baby mamas" with custody issues is a good advertisement for safe sex and abstinence; the sideshow freak who bucks stereotypes with his desire to get married and buy a house may encourage a little more tolerance for the different.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about True Life's purpose. There is certainly a voyeuristic element as we watch people in often desperate situations -- but is there something to be learned from their stories, too? Do you care more about an issue -- such as teen pregnancy, drug addiction, tolerance -- after seeing real people struggling with it?
How do the people on True Life inspire compassion and empathy? Why are those important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 31, 1998
- Cast : Gideon Yago
- Network : MTV
- Genre : Reality TV
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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