First In
Common Sense says
- BET
- Reality TV
- 2008
Parents say
Kids say
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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 this reality series about first responders contains lots of disturbing images of injured and/or dead people (faces blurred), as well as bloody wounds, and people being extracted from horrific accidents. Occasional profanity (“f--k,” “s--t”) is bleeped. EMS personnel often respond to alcohol and drug overdoses. Despite all of this, the series sends some very positive messages about the sacrifices fire departments make to keep their communities safe.
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What's the story?
FIRST IN follows the activities of the Compton Fire Department in Southern California as the staff responds to life-threatening emergencies in and around its community. Cameras follow as firefighters like Marcel Melanson and Shon Halverson race to the scene to help contain fires, aid accident victims, and provide assistance wherever needed. Meanwhile, emergency medical staffers like Jerome Goodall do everything they can to get victims to hospitals in time to receive life-saving medical assistance. In between calls, viewers get a glimpse at how rookies attempt to survive their probationary period in order to become full-fledged firefighters. We also get some insight into the different kinds of personal sacrifices members of the Compton FD make in order to help their community.
Is it any good?
The reality series, which is narrated by actor Tyrese Gibson, highlights how firefighters and EMS personnel risk their lives when responding to fire emergencies, airplane accidents, and gang shootings. It also demonstrates how their training helps them get dangerous and often chaotic situations under control.
The constant images of severely injured people, bloody wounds, and dead bodies make the show a little sensational. But the overall series is very nonjudgmental. It underscores how this team goes out of its way to save people’s lives, regardless of who they are or how they became injured. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who can handle it, it contains positive messages about the people who work hard to make our communities safe.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the work that firefighters and emergency response teams do on a daily basis. What kind of training do they have to have in order to do their jobs? How do they handle the pressure of working with severely injured people and/or situations that put their own lives at risk?
Is it ever necessary to show violence and/or violent images on television? What if it is in context? Do you think the violent images shown here add or take away to the overall message of this show? Why?
TV details
- Premiere date: October 27, 2008
- Cast: Marcel Melanson, Shon Halverson, Tyrese Gibson
- Network: BET
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-14
- Available on: Streaming
- Last updated: November 11, 2020
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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.
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