Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thought-provoking docu follows coming-of-age struggles.
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Millennials: Growing Up in the 21st Century
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MILLENNIALS: GROWING UP IN THE 21ST CENTURY follows 22 people from their tween years through early adulthood. Through interviews conducted by the project's creator, Rick Stevenson, over the course of 15 years, the series chronicles the subjects' struggles and eventual triumphs through their tumultuous teen years, relationships with family, troubles in school, and personal dilemmas.
Is It Any Good?
This docuseries isn't always easy to watch, but it's an eye-opening resource for parents and possibly teens who themselves are coming of age. The subjects' experiences run the gamut from emotionally wrenching to victorious and self-affirming, and Millennials: Growing Up in the 21st Century sheds light on issues that many viewers (especially adults) may not have any personal knowledge of. The interviewees are forthcoming with details of addiction, sexual violence, and mental illness, among other experiences, and while the stories are difficult to hear, the eventual healing and maturing process can be inspiring.
Since it's only a six-part series, the 22 subjects' stories -- presumably told through extensive interviews -- are condensed to mere minutes apiece, so there's a lot that's left unsaid. Even so, these slices of life are excellent ways to start conversations with your own teens about what's going on in their lives and what struggles they might be having, not to mention a great reminder that today's reality doesn't have to be tomorrow's.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the subjects' experiences in Millennials: Growing Up in the 21st Century. Teens: Which of the stories resonates particularly with you? Which issues weigh most on your mind on a daily basis? How do you persevere through the stresses you face?
Teens: Is drug use a prevalent concern among your peers? What reasons do people have for turning to drugs and/or alcohol? Have you ever been in a situation where they were available to you? How did you handle it?
What pressures do millennials face that other generations didn't? In contrast, how has quality of life improved for millennials? How do you and older family members bridge the generational divide?
How does Millennials: Growing Up in the 21st Century promote perseverance and gratitude? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 5, 2016
- Network : Syndicated
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , School ( High School , Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Gratitude , Perseverance
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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