 | 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. |
Truth Be Told
- TLC
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Embarrassing problems more uncomfortable than informative.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this reality series about people who suffer from challenges like hoarding, obsession, and problematic medical conditions is much less informative than it is exploitive. The show's "cinema verite" style means that viewers get an unvarnished look at the people being profiled, and their behavior isn't exactly exmplary all the time -- some swear, and some family members are unsympathetic and/or enabling.
What's the story?
TRUTH BE TOLD is a series of short documentaries about people who have various disorders and problems -- including hoarding, addiction to plastic surgery, obssesive compulsive disorder, and obsession with pets. It's shot strictly as cinema verite, with no interviews. Indeed, with rare exceptions, it's as if the camera crew is merely a fly on the wall, observing the situation.
Is it any good?
Unfortunately, due to that same lack of interviews and narration, the show comes off as somewhat exploitive. On the plus side, there's no makeover team coming in to "make everything all right" -- but on the down side, there's no information about why people have these issues, and no suggestions for ways to deal with these sorts of challenges effectively.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about whether this show seems more realistic than other "reality" series. Why? Do you think it was filmed as it actually happened, or could some of it be re-enacted? Does that make a difference?
Why do people with embarrassing problems decide to broadcast them on television? Would you ever do that?
What can a show like this teach us about being healthy?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Teen, 13 years old
January 1, 2010
AGE
Iffy for 14-16
In at least one episode, there was some mature s**ual content. Almost every episode seems to be rated TV-14-D for intensely s**ual dialogue.
What other families should know:
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | TLC |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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