Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Positive, inspiring music reality show for whole family.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Majors & Minors
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 ( Music and Sing-Along )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 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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