Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Courageous workers star in sometimes violent reality show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
First Responders Live
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?
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
- Premiere date : June 12, 2019
- Cast : Josh Elliott
- Network : Fox
- Genre : Reality TV
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Humility , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : March 13, 2020
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