Parents' Guide to

Answered Prayers

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Real people tell affecting tales of faith, God, and family.

TV Lifetime Reality TV 2015
Answered Prayers Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 10+

Based on 1 parent review

ChrisD 2
ChrisD 2 Adult
August 11, 2015
age 10+

Proves god and miricales are real

I watched this show with my family a few weeks ago and the power of god just seems to come right out of the show and into the living room every time I even think about this show its a true reminder of just how merciful and good god is to us each and every day

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Hosted by Roma Downey (Touched by an Angel), ANSWERED PRAYERS shares inspirational stories of hope, faith, and divine intervention, as told by the people who experienced these things firsthand. Each episode recounts two tales via a blend of interviews, actual footage, and dramatic reenactments, from a family that survived a devastating tornado to a boy who lost his leg but learned to walk again.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Whether you side with those featured on the show and believe that God had a hand in answering their prayers or prefer to view it all as happenstance, it's hard to deny the inspiring outcomes of these harrowing personal stories. The production values, albeit cheesy at times, are surprisingly effective, and parents will find the tragedies involving young children particularly affecting. But the show's heavy-handed message -- including an ethereally lit Downey's closing plea to "Please keep believing" -- could be a turnoff for viewers who don't self-identify as Christian.

Of course, this isn't the first time Downey and her husband, Mark Burnett, have teamed up to deliver religious-themed programming for the masses (see also The Bible, Son of God, A.D.: The Bible Continues, and The Dovekeepers), but it's the first time they've tried mixing reality TV and religion. And why not? Based on the success of their other ventures, there's obviously an audience to support it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Answered Prayers' message about religion and whether it leaves any room for skepticism. What type of viewer is the show targeting, and how can you tell? How would you rate its appeal to a general audience?

  • Do you believe in God and the power of prayer? What purpose does prayer serve for the faithful? If a higher power actually exists, how do we explain the existence of tragedy and suffering, particularly when it effects good people?

  • How does Answered Prayers compare to other types of "testimonial" shows on television? Though the basic format is familiar, does it do anything differently?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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