Majors & Minors
Positive, inspiring music reality show for whole family.
Kids say
Based on 2 reviews
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this inspiring musical series proves that it's possible to make reality TV that's both wholesome and appealing. Although there's a record contract at stake, the show doesn't hold eliminations, which ensures that the cast members collaborate without ulterior motives and value their peers' creative input. Celebs like Sean Kingston and Adam Lambert offer positive feedback, and other experts encourage and incorporate the kids' ideas into the performances. All of the lyrics, dance moves, and costumes are age appropriate, and the mentors focus on cultivating the young artists' individual potential rather than turning them into marketable icons.
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What's the Story?
MAJORS & MINORS brings together a dozen of the nation's most talented young singers to be mentored by top music gurus like Avril Lavigne, Brandy, and Colbie Caillat. The 12 participants, who range in age from 10 to 16, attend a virtual music fantasy camp, learning dancing, stage presence, vocals, and songwriting skills from some of the industry's most renowned leaders. Each week the singers perform before a live audience, singing original songs that they co-write with the pros. Because there are no eliminations, the cast remains intact throughout the season, though one lucky winner is awarded a recording contract at the show's conclusion.
Is It Any Good?
Bucking the trend of sensationalist talent competitions, Majors & Minors is a symphony to the eyes and ears of families struggling to find a wholesome niche in the reality TV genre. This series does the seemingly impossible by creating a feel-good show that spotlights inspiring talent without resorting to controversy or quirky characters to keep viewers' attention. These kids will amaze you with their abilities, but even more so, you'll be amazed at the show's determination to focus on the positive aspects of creative collaboration and the infinite potential that exists in nurturing, rather than berating, natural talent.
The most obvious reason for this departure from the likes of American Idol and even America's Got Talent is that there's no elimination process, so there's little reason for competition among the participants and no reason for viewers to single out a favorite. Sure, the kids are aware that one among their ranks will walk away with a record deal, but they're so immersed in learning and being inspired that they're more than happy to work with their peers rather than against them. There's no end to the positive messages in this harmonious show that's sure to strike a chord with families.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about reality TV. Which reality shows have you seen? How does this one compare to others? Do you think any one show is more "real" than the others? Is it ever possible to see true reality through a camera lens?
Kids: What are your special talents? How do you nurture them? Do you foresee using those talents in a future career? If so, how? If you could learn a skill at the hands of a mentor in that field, who would it be?
Kids: In what ways does this series promote diversity? Do you think the media does a good job overall reflecting the diversity of our country? Do stereotypes exist on TV and in the movies? Are these harmful to viewers?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 23, 2011
- Network: Discovery Family Channel
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Arts and Dance, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, Music and Sing-Along
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
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