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Truth Be Told

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Where to watch: TLC)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Embarrassing problems more uncomfortable than informative.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    If anything, these are cautionary tales, even if they seem a tad exploitive and don't really get into the realm of treatment/solutions in much depth.
 

What to watch out for

  • Role models:

    Some of the people being profiled see that they have a problem and are working to fix it. But others can't see the truth and continue to contribute to their situation. For example, an episode about hoarding features a man who swears he's merely a collector because his sutff is organized ... but simultaneously berates his wife for her hoarding while refusing to let her throw things away.

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Some episodes touch on embarrassing medical conditions, which raises the possibility of clinical sex talk.

  • Language:

    Words like "ass" are audible; those like "f--k" and "s--t" are bleeped (but you can still sometimes see/tell what's being said). Overall, swearing is infrequent, and much of it isn't that surprising justified given the situation.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Truth Be Told

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?
Tools and tips that can help

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