Alter Ego

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
Alter Ego Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Holographic singing contest is positive but weird.

Fox Game Shows 2021
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Parents say

age 16+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 11+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Alter Ego is a singing competition featuring singers who can only been seen as digital avatars by the judges. The holographic images are creature-like, and very small children may find some of them disturbing. Contestants talk about personal challenges, ranging from social anxieties and insecurities, to physical disabilities, but the judges are extremely upbeat and supportive. As is the case with most TV singing contests, there are also lots of popular songs performed.

Community Reviews

Zurquhart
Zurquhart Adult
October 29, 2021
age 16+

Not body positive

This show is not very body positive and it is clear many of the contestants are very self conscious of their bodies. It concerns me many are making themselves much skinnier then what they are normally and that this is being touted as “the whole package” by Judges who don’t know the damage they are doing in saying that because they can’t see the real person behind the screen. I feel very concerned for how heavier set young people would feel watching this. Like they have to be skinny to be seen. It’s very dangerous. It is also stated by many of the contestants how awful they feel in their skin. One girl grabbed her “rolls” and discussed how much she hated them. Then you watch her make her alter ego “roll free” which gave her confidence. Very disturbing. Creating an alter ego is a very emotional process for many and I think it requires mentors and therapists walking along side these people so they can create healthier representations of themselves and come to know how beautiful they are in their own skin.
jstrz11
jstrz11 Adult
October 20, 2021
age 13+

Grimes

The judge Grimes is a joke. The way she "claps her fake fingernails " for performances is an insult to not only the performs but everyone watching.
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

ALTER EGO is a singing competition featuring talented singers performing as avatars. Hosted by Rocsi Diaz, it introduces twenty contestants from all walks of life singing in front of a panel of judges made up of Alanis Morissette, will.i.am, Nick Lahey, and experimental musician Grimes. The twist? The singers perform backstage in motion capture suits, which mimic every move and sound they make. While TV audiences can see who they are, the judges only get to see them as avatars that appear holographically on stage. As a result, they must make evaluations based solely on voice performance, and it is only when a contestant is eliminated from the competition that they learn their true identity. But those who make it through each round gets one step closer to becoming the next great digital pop star.

Is It Any Good?

This otherwise run-of-the-mill singing contest takes on an odd,dystopian flair when it combines music and the sciences. Contestants use the digital technology to reinvent themselves, and hide the things they don't want the judges to see on stage, like physical challenges, looks, and performance anxiety. However, while they share why they don't like performing publicly, they offer no explanations for the weird looking avatars they've chosen to represent them. Meanwhile, it's not clear if the judges, while supportive, are evaluating them solely on their voice talent. If you like singing competitions, you might find Alter Ego entertaining, even if it is a bizarre viewing experience.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about avatars. How are they created? What's the difference between an avatar and a hologram?

  • Some judges on Alter Ego suggest that what they are doing will change the nature of music and music performance. How? Do you think this is true? Why?

TV Details

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