This American Life

App review by Carla Thornton, Common Sense Media
This American Life Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

Radio show podcasts contain 15-year slice of American life.

iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android Entertainment
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Parents say

age 12+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 2 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this app.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this app is a complete archive of the popular hour-long public radio show. The content occasionally touches on violence, sexual practices and other adult themes.

Community Reviews

Emily Esch
Emily Esch Adult
May 13, 2010
age 12+

The ap is great, and the show is better.

The app itself is absolutely the best. Super easy to browse and find any TAL episode you're looking for. The content of the radio show that the app supports is among the best media created by anyone anywhere, but there are definitely some episodes that aren't for kids, and lots of episodes that will bring up some teachable moments. My parents got me hooked on the show because they'd play it during long car rides when I was a teenager. It started lots of conversations about life and the world that we probably wouldn't have had otherwise.
See all 1 parent review

Is It Any Good?

Public broadcasting at its best, This American Life has entertained with topical and personal-essay broadcasts since 1995. This app, which collects all 400-plus hour-long radio shows under one roof and automatically adds new ones each week, is a treasure trove. A kind of audio version of 60 Minutes, each show explores an aspect of American life via issues or interesting individuals, some famous but most of them regular people, including kids. There are episodes on bullying, babysitting, and a bonus Showtime program on kids trying to learn standup comedy.

App Details

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