Parents' Guide to

Intervention

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Hellish reality journeys are eye-opening.

TV A&E Reality TV 2005
Intervention Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 14+

Based on 3 parent reviews

TV-14-DLSV Teen Boy
TV-14-DLSV Teen Boy Adult
March 25, 2012
age 15+

Really sad but Really Good Documentary

I think that Intervention is a Really good Documentary about alcohol and drug addiction. Most of the people in this Documentary go to a clinic and get over their addiction. But sadly some people don't get over their addiction. But like I said most of the people do get over their addiction. I watched some episodes before in my house and one episode in My Highschool. Palatine High School with one of my friends named Karlis Baumanis and some other people and teachers in the self contained room. I only visited the self contained room though. I'm not on the self contained room. Anyway Intervention is RATED: TV-14 and I think that it's mean that in one episode of South Park they maked a parody of Intervention. Like I mean I Really Like South Park but it's mean that they maked fun of Intervention I mean like how is that funny that people Have an alcohol and/or drug addiction. Well this Documentary might be disturbing to some viewers like they say in the beggining of each episode of Intervention. I recommend Intervention.

This title has:

Great messages
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
J2dalee33
J2dalee33 Adult
January 10, 2012
age 15+

Just a taste!

Addiction affects everyone, even the ones you think ain't payin attention.(Children) Children undrstand more than you think, and when your not their for them they remember. They do notice, when my ma wasnt there i remember everything.

This title has:

Great messages
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

INTERVENTION is a graphic documentary series that follows the horrific journey from addiction to -- hopefully -- redemption. Past participants include one blond, still-handsome, once-successful mortgage broker who sleeps on a random rooftop, his prized condo lost to cocaine use; an FBI driving instructor falls from the top of his game after drinking too much and gets a near-fatal diagnosis; and a divorcee faces the prospect of losing everyone she loves.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (5):

In many ways, the show's premise works. It's straightforward, no-holds-barred, and uncensored, which is really the only way to address the topic. The subjects are shown drinking and drugging, and the results of their actions are also made clear; ambivalence would only water down the series' impact. If anything could scare somebody away from using and abusing drugs and alcohol, surely watching the people who depend on them fall deeper and deeper into their own personal hell should do the trick.

Because there's so little sentimentality (thus reducing the risk of turning the show to an after-school special), it's hard not to feel like a rubbernecker staring at an accident that's best left behind closed doors. Nevertheless, this show is truly a learning experience (as well as full of cautionary messages for teens).

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what addiction means, how it starts, and the havoc it can wreak on a person's life. How can you tell if someone's an addict? What's an intervention? Can an addict pull back from the brink without an intervention? What role does an addict's family play in recovery?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: March 6, 2005
  • Network: A&E
  • Genre: Reality TV
  • TV rating: TV-14
  • Last updated: March 11, 2023

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