Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Swearing, violence, and CNN in detailed media mogul docu.
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Where to Watch
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Call Me Ted
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Inspired by the book of the same name, CALL ME TED is an autobiographical docuseries about the life and career of media entrepreneur Ted Turner. From the influence of his father during his early years, to his meteoric rise and falls as a media mogul, the series uses a combination of excerpts from the Call Me Ted audiobook, archive footage, animation, and interviews with friends and colleagues. The result details how he went from working in his father's advertising firm to becoming a major media mogul with the founding of the Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) in 1965. It also delves into how he weathered professional losses over time, including the loss of billions after the America Online (AOL) merger with Time Warner. Throughout it all, interviews with the people closest to him, including his adult children, friends, colleagues, and former wife Jane Fonda reveal who he is as a person, and highlight what life was like for him and those around him throughout those years.
Is It Any Good?
The detailed docuseries offers viewers some interesting backstories behind what made Ted Turner one of history's most influential men in the media industry. Some folks will take interest the stories of how he went from advertising to creating a major media conglomerate, and how he disrupted the news industry with the creation of CNN, the world's first 24-hour news outlet. Others will find the stories describing his personal life, which are often in stark contrast to his role as a businessman, more entertaining. Regardless, Call Me Ted offers a collection of stories, images, and interviews that create a full picture of Turner's life, and in a way that keeps the self-aggrandizement to acceptable levels.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about some of the ups and downs in Ted Turner's professional life. How did he push forward when he experienced major failures in his career?
What are some of the key messages that Call Me Ted offers about mental health?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 13, 2024
- Cast : Ted Turner , Jane Fonda , Laura Turner Seydel
- Network : Max
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Activism , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Curiosity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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