Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Self-help reality has drama, strong language, mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Iyanla, Fix My Life
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
IYANLA, FIX MY LIFE is a reality show that features inspirational speaker Iyanla Vanzant working with people to help them improve aspects of their lives. After meeting with people to discuss what they are struggling with, she offers her blunt assessments and assigns therapeutic challenges in hopes that the individuals involved will begin doing the work necessary to make things better for themselves and for each other. From working with individuals to overcome trauma or to leave a damaging partnership, to helping people forgive and build positive relationships, the goal is to give people the tools to live a better life.
Is It Any Good?
The voyeuristic self-improvement themed reality show features people being counseled by lively self-help guru Iyanla Vanzant. Once a regular guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show, the series features Vanzant serving as a life coach using her expertise as a former public defender and as a spiritual psychology expert (which integrates spirituality into the framework of modern psychology) to help guests fix what isn't right in their lives. It consistently offers positive messages about the importance of achieving spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being. However, like most unscripted series of this type, lots of superficial solutions are offered to address complex problems, and some theatrically emotional moments are created to make good TV moments. Nonetheless, if you like self-help TV you may find that Iyanla, Fix My Life has something to offer.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about spiritual psychology. What is it? How does it differ from regular psychology? Does the science and therapeutic community fully embrace it?
Do people's problems get resolved after appearing on Iyanla, Fix My Life? Are they expected to? Is there a downside to people addressing their issues on the TV show?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 12, 2012
- Cast : Iyanla Vanzant
- Network : Discovery+
- Genre : Reality TV
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 8, 2026
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