Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Reality show explores deaf culture, college life; some sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Deaf U
What's the Story?
DEAF U follows a group of students attending Gallaudet University, a private Washington, D.C. university that focuses on the deaf and hard of hearing community. From navigating endless romantic triangles and dating turmoil, to coping with the college's small community and gossipy cliques, the students are making the most of their social lives at the private Washington D.C. university. Throughout it all, details about deaf culture, and the different ways students see themselves in it, are discussed from their points of view.
Is It Any Good?
This unscripted series is a lot like many reality shows in a way; it's got the standard dramatic stories, but this time combined with interesting details about deaf culture and community. Viewers hear lots of personal details about the cast thanks to one-on-one interviews, and the endless conversations they have with each other about their romantic entanglements. Unfortunately, there's not a ton of depth, which can make the discussions feel more exhausting than engaging.
However, Deaf U succeeds at informing viewers about the existence of deaf culture, and some of the particulars associated with it. Students share details about the differences in ASL (American Sign Language) fluency, how they create name signs to identify themselves and others, and the social strata within the community that are defined by deafness. Thoughts and concerns about some deaf students' willingness to cater to the hearing population is also discussed. If you can look past the mundane storylines, these conversations are the ones worth tuning in to.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about deaf culture. The students of Deaf U offer details about what this culture is like. Were you surprised by any of them? What things do people from hearing culture take for granted that deaf and hard-of-hearing people cannot? Why?
The cast of Deaf U attempts to educate people about deaf culture while showing what life is like at Gallaudet University. Are they successful?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 9, 2020
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : July 25, 2025
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