Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Produced reality show about having transgender parent.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Becoming Us
What's the Story?
BECOMING US is a heavily produced reality series that centers on Ben Lehwald, a teen boy who's learning to become a man while his parent, Carly, is transitioning to live openly as a woman. The Evanston, Illinois, high school junior enjoyed an average life with his two parents and older sister, Sutton. But everything changed when his parents divorced and Carly became a full-time part of Ben's life. Being 16 is tough and awkward, but luckily, Ben has a supportive group of friends, including his girlfriend, Danielle—who also has a trans parent—to help him put things in perspective. Understanding and accepting these changes is something the entire family has to do, but throughout it all, Ben knows they still share a lot of love.
Is It Any Good?
The heartwarming reality series offers viewers the opportunity to see how families deal with gender transitioning from multiple points of view. Though it's heavily produced in the narrative style of The Hills, Becoming Us shows us one person's transition journey, as well as the way it affects those closest to her. Characters learn to use correct pronouns and deal with feeling confused, angry, and sad about a family member's gender identity despite their desire to be supportive.
There are some typical produced reality moments filled with teen angst and family differences. But overall, the show presents transitioning in a way that's nonjudgmental, making it less of a spectacle and more like the human experience it is.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the Lehwalds in Becoming Us stay together. How important is communication?
How does Carly's transition make her life better? In what ways does it affect her family?
Over the years, there have been many incorrect and stereotypical on-screen portrayals of trans people. How do shows like this one challenge those generalizations? Do they reinforce any clichés?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 8, 2015
- Cast : Ben Lehwald , Carly Lehwald , Suzy Lehwald
- Network : Freeform
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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