Deaf U
Common Sense says
- Netflix
- Reality TV
- 2020
Parents say
Kids say
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Get it now on
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Did this review miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive, diverse representations in books, TV shows, and movies. Want to help us help them? Suggest a diversity update
Suggest an update Deaf U
A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Deaf U is a reality series featuring a cast of deaf and hard of hearing college students attending Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. There's lots of cursing, drinking, and strong sexual innuendo (crude references, conversations about sex and getting pregnant, etc.). It also offers some interesting details about deaf culture, and how people see themselves within the deaf community. iPhones are prominently featured and Instagram is discussed.
Stay up to date on new reviews.
User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
It was very negative. I am a Gallaudet Alumni and black male professional. To be blunt, the show seems racist. why I stated that because focus on the two black students and white female students sex and etcs. The film showed no positive of People of Colors, black females and others. Parents who watch this show will not find any positive view or decision in sending their deaf, or Hard of hearing students to a Prostitute University since the main theme is sex, pregnant, and non- education stories about success , experiences at Gallaudet.
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
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: TV-MA
- Available on: Streaming
- Last updated: October 22, 2020
Our editors recommend
For kids who love reality TV
Top advice and articles
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
Streaming options powered by JustWatch