Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Spunky, somewhat edgy series shares teen girl's life.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 17 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a hit among tweens and teens for its relatable themes of individuality and the struggles of high school life, albeit with some mixed feelings about its scripted nature and occasional language. Many appreciate the positive messages about being oneself, while others find some content not suitable for younger audiences, deeming it great for those 12 and older.
- relatable themes
- positive messages
- mixed feedback
- targeted age group
- scripted nature
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
High school senior Liz Lee lets cameras capture her world in MY LIFE AS LIZ, a reality series about being a teenager in the small southern town of Burleson, Texas. According to Liz, most people in Burleson -- including her school's resident \"shallow bitch squad\" -- are too close-minded to get her against-the-grain style. But she's found some kindred souls in her best friends Sully, Troy, and Miles, and she's making inroads with Bryson, a cute boy who refuses to be categorized.
Is It Any Good?
It's tough to critique the merits of a show that proclaims to be real but often doesn't feel that way (many of the show's moments seem like they must be scripted). My Life as Liz would be just as effective if it were presented as a scripted drama and peopled with unknown actors instead of unknown teens. And aren't these teens already doing a good bit of acting anyway by allowing producers to set up cameras and get multiple-angle shots of their conversations? It's a wobbly world we weave.
So what is it about "reality" -- or at least the illusion of it -- that's seemingly so appealing to TV viewers? It could have something to do with the harsh reality that similarly themed teen dramas like My So-Called Life and Freaks and Geeks -- hailed by critics but largely ignored by audiences -- were ultimately canceled. Ouch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what this show really is: Is it a reality show, or is it a scripted drama? And, more importantly, does that matter? What are some of the clues that it isn't entirely "real"?
Which characters do you relate to the most -- and who do you think is the most admirable? Do you see Liz as a positive role model? Does she always make the right decisions?
What does the show have to say about stereotypes? Have you ever had a preconceived notion about someone, only to realize later that you were wrong? Which is easier -- making a snap judgment about another person or getting to know them?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 18, 2010
- Cast : Liz Lee
- Network : MTV
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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