Parents' Guide to

Born This Way

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Reality series offers insight into life with Down syndrome.

TV A&E Reality TV 2015
Born This Way Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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What's the Story?

Brought to you by the producers of the Real World franchise, BORN THIS WAY is a reality show featuring seven young adults with Down syndrome. The cast includes self-described ladies'-man Sean, the upbeat Steven, rap artist John, temperamental Elena, boy-crazy Rachel, and Cristina, who's in a committed long-term relationship with her boyfriend, Angel, all of whom are working and pursuing their passions. Also joining the group is Megan, who is relocating to Los Angeles for the summer to pursue her filmmaking dreams. Supporting them are their parents and the staff of Leaps n Boundz, an LA-based community center designed to assist young adults with special needs with whatever they want to do. From navigating relationship drama to finding their way to independence, they live their day-to-day lives while reminding people that they're capable of accomplishing anything.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

The honest and appealing reality series offers some insight into how some adults with Down syndrome negotiate their way through a world that treats them differently while having low expectations for them. Happily, it does so in a way that blends the trendiness of unscripted TV -- complete with a hip meeting space, confessionals, and lots of dramatic moments -- with earnest conversations about their hopes, needs, and desires, as well as the emotional struggles having the genetic condition causes them and their loved ones.

It succeeds at allowing the cast to present themselves as unique, highly functioning, and talented people in a very complicated world. But despite wanting to underscore that having Down syndrome does not define who they are, the fact that they have it, and the challenges they face because of it, is a consistent theme throughout. Nonetheless, it offers viewers the valuable opportunity to gain a better understanding of the cast's experiences and to rethink how we tend to characterize people with special needs.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the way the media portrays people with Down syndrome and other disorders and disabilities. What are some of the stereotypes that exist about these communities? Does this show challenge or reinforce them?

  • What are some of the ways the media can raise more awareness about the misconceptions and challenges that people with Down syndrome face every day?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

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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