Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sobering reality series digs deep to bust up stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
If You Really Knew Me
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 16 kid reviews
Kids say this show is a powerful and inspiring exploration of the real struggles faced by teenagers, addressing issues like bullying, mental health, and the importance of empathy and support. Reviewers urge that such programs should be implemented in schools everywhere to foster understanding and compassion among students.
- empathy and support
- inspiring messages
- relatable struggles
- anti-bullying focus
- promotes community
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In MTV's docuseries IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME, high school students are asked to step out of their comfort zones and show their peers who they really are as part of an intensive, school-sponsored "Challenge Day" program that puts a whole new spin on reality TV. Each episode focuses on a different school's Challenge Day experience and shadows five diverse students as they go through the emotionally draining but eye-opening process. The result is a heart-wrenching yet ultimately rewarding journey for participants and viewers alike.
Is It Any Good?
Effective without being overly manipulative, this is a stand-out series for teens that actually uses the reality genre for good instead of evil. That's a welcome change in a world that has too many reality dating shows to count. Even better, If You Really Knew Me succeeds in staying palatable to a teenage audience that desperately needs its positive takeaways. Here's hoping they eat it up.
Some students spring into action and make concrete plans to make things better at school or at home. But it's hard to see a few newly energized faces come out of the experience with a heartfelt desire to change, only to watch them collide with painful realities that don't quite meet their rosy expectations. For example, when a broken-down girl reaches out to her emotionally distant dad across the dinner table to tell him how much she appreciates him, we want them to embrace and connect. Instead, he looks down awkwardly as she clings to his hand, and we can feel the distance spreading between them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Challenge Day experience and why it appears to be so successful on If You Really Knew Me. Did it surprise you to see students sharing so many "secrets" they'd kept hidden from their peers? Do you think having the cameras there helped or hindered the process?
Teens: Are you personally affected by cliques at school? Have you ever been a victim of bullying, prejudice, or abuse? Have you ever been ashamed of the way you've treated someone else?
Do you think a workshop like this one could succeed at your school? What would be the hardest part about getting students to participate and share their feelings? Why is it sometimes so hard to be honest?
How does If You Really Knew Me promote communication and empathy? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 20, 2010
- Network : MTV
- Genre : Reality TV
- Character Strengths : Communication , Empathy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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
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