Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stunning TV production has exceptional role model, themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Hairspray Live!
What's the Story?
HAIRSPRAY LIVE! stars newcomer Maddie Baillio as plucky Tracy Turnblad, a high school student with dreams of stardom beyond her humble beginnings. To that end, she auditions for a local TV show, where she's roundly mocked for her generous size by the show's star, Amber (Dove Cameron), and her mother/producer, Velma Von Tussle (Kristin Chenoweth). But when Tracy befriends an African-American classmate named Seaweed (Ephraim Sykes), he inspires her to stand up and be noticed, which lands her the coveted spot on Corny Collins' (Derek Hough) show and brings her toe-to-toe in a popularity contest with Amber. Finding support from Seaweed's mom, Motormouth Maybelle (Jennifer Hudson); her best friend, Penny (Ariana Grande); and her quirky parents, Edna (Harvey Fierstein) and Wilbur (Martin Short), Tracy sets out to change her future ... and the world while she's at it.
Is It Any Good?
This is an impressive, jubilant production of a story that's rich in messages about diversity, inclusion, and loving yourself. Baillio more than holds her own among a cast of A-listers, belting out solos with confidence that belie her inexperience on a big stage. Those surrounding her seem to be angling to outdo one another with exceptional performances, leaving the audience hard-pressed to identify a favorite. The choreography is intricate, the sets grandiose (including challenging outdoor scenes), and the story evolving at a breakneck pace, leaving you with the desire to watch it again to make sure you don't miss anything.
That said, Hairspray Live! dabbles in content that's a little more mature than what families came to know in NBC's previous Broadway productions, The Sound of Music Live! and The Wiz Live!. For one, segregation is on full display in many scenes, with everything from a physical barrier to cutting stereotypes separating blacks and whites on-screen. For another, there's quite a lot of sexual implication in dialogue from teens and adults alike. But it's still fantastic family fare with exceptional themes that can create powerful family discussions, not to mention one show-stopping performance after another.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the historical value of entertainment such as this. Do you think this story gives a realistic impression of the racial climate of the time and place? Should that be a consideration in a lighthearted production such as this one, or is it OK to take artistic license because of the story's tone?
What unique challenges face the cast and crew of a live televised event? Did you notice any slipups? Did they affect your enjoyment of the show, or did you leave with new respect for the talents on display?
What does this story have to say about body image? Does its message change how you think of your own appearance or those of people you encounter? Besides Tracy, which other characters struggle with their self-esteem? Is this a concern you notice among your peers?
Families can talk about courage. How do Tracy and her friends display this character trait? What others are important in the story?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 7, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : December 20, 2016
- Cast : Ariana Grande , Kristin Chenoweth , Maddie Baillio
- Directors : Kenny Leon , Alex Rudzinski
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : NBC Studios
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School ) , History , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 120 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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