Parents' Guide to

The Truman Show

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Thought-provoking story has some mature themes.

Movie PG 1998 103 minutes
The Truman Show Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 9+

Based on 20 parent reviews

Melissa S.
Melissa S. Adult
March 25, 2023
age 13+
Timo S.
Timo S. Parent of 18-year-old
March 2, 2023
age 5+
a great movie nothing else to say
See all 20 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In THE TRUMAN SHOW, Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) is an insurance salesman who gradually realizes that everyone around him is part of an elaborate "show" and that every aspect of his life has been orchestrated and broadcast throughout the world. Truman's "ideal" suburban community is an elaborate set, and his wife and best friend are actors. Sponsors pay for the show by having the participants praise their products. And all of it is presided over by Christof (Ed Harris), who leans into his microphone to give direction: "Cue the sun!"

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (20):
Kids say (119):

A thought-provoking story and outstanding performances (including a sensitive and subtle portrayal by Carrey) make this is a very worthwhile movie for families to watch together. Teenagers will relate to Truman's sense (correct in this case) that he is constantly being watched and that the world is organized around him.

While the satire may be above the heads of younger kids, there is still a lot to discuss. They will be interested by the fascination that Truman's "real" story has for a worldwide audience with an insatiable hunger for something to watch on television, at the same time rooting for him to find a way out and wanting him to stay so they can keep watching him.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the movie's premise. Do you watch reality TV? How did this movie seem to anticipate the onslaught of reality TV in the 21st century? How far do you think we are from such a show actually being on TV?

  • How is product placement satirized in this movie? Do you view product placement as a cynical attempt to manipulate an audience into buying what is shown on the screen, or do you see it as something that isn't that big of a deal so long as the movie or TV show itself is good?

  • How does this movie address "mediated" reality, the reality of those who spend hour after hour of their leisure time watching TV or movies -- in essence, living vicariously through people real or imagined churned out by the entertainment industry?

Movie Details

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