Parents' Guide to

First Responders Live

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Courageous workers star in sometimes violent reality show.

TV Fox Reality TV 2019
First Responders Live Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 6 parent reviews

Lindsey801
Lindsey801 Adult
November 16, 2019
age 10+

Announcer talks too much.

I feel it is a very entertaining show. Announcer needs to not be involved. He's quite annoying.

This title has:

Great messages
Blueswamper55
Blueswamper55 Adult
September 16, 2019
age 18+

Camera Person Needs Lessons

It's a good show. My issue is the cameraman or woman. They are doing a horrible job. During a chase, I don't want to be looking at the officer driving the car, nor the dadhboard. I want to see the chase. Figure out how to keep the camera steady. The camera folks on Live PD know how to do their jobs, keeping the camera steady, and watching the action.
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What's the Story?

FIRST RESPONDERS LIVE (FRL) is a reality series that features embedded camera crews following police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders from across the country as they go out on calls. From domestic disputes to potentially fatal accidents, events are recorded in real time as they happen. Due to the nature of certain events, some of the responses are pre-recorded and aired during the episode. While events are unfolding on camera, back at the studio, first response experts discuss what's happening and why with journalist Josh Elliott. Background stories of some of the responders are also shown.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (6):
Kids say (1):

This solid reality series, executive-produced by Law & Order's Dick Wolf, seeks to to celebrate the invaluable work and sacrifice of America's first responders. It offers an opportunity for viewers to see their work firsthand, from an actual first responder's point of view. It also gives these men and women a voice, allowing them to talk about what they do and why they find the work meaningful. But some of the live events, which are aired with a slight time delay, also feel a little exploitative, especially when cameras begin focusing on the seriously injured or on people who are clearly struggling and in pain. Meanwhile, activities like high-speed chases and arrests sometimes make it feel like you're watching an episode of COPS. Nonetheless, First Responders Live is successful at underscoring the fact that America's first responders are willing to put their lives on the line every day to help others, and for this they should be respected and celebrated.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the reasons people become first responders. What compels people to choose careers that can potentially put them in dangerous situations while helping others?

  • Are there any downsides to featuring first responders do their jobs live on television? Do you think the events featured on First Responders Live would unfold differently if the cameras weren't rolling?

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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