Parents' Guide to Nine Days and Nights of Ed Sheeran

TV MTV Reality TV 2014
Nine Days and Nights of Ed Sheeran Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Emily Ashby By Emily Ashby , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Docuseries promotes album No. 2 from likable Brit singer.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran opens his doors to an MTV video crew in NINE DAYS AND NIGHTS OF ED SHEERAN, a docuseries that chronicles his daily activities and the process of making his second album. After a breakthrough first album, Ed feels the pressure to follow up with even greater success in this new project, and he finds inspiration working alongside music front-runners such as Taylor Swift and Pharrell. As cameras follow him around the world, viewers get a backstage pass at concerts, in the studio, and alongside the celebrated star when he visits his favorite London haunts.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

On one hand, Nine Days and Nights of Ed Sheeran is a blatant advertising initiative for the artist's sophomore album. Viewers are treated to sneak peeks of some of the songs and get to hear how they relate to Sheeran's life experience. There's also a three-for-one quality about the series since you'll also hear from his pals Swift and Pharrell, who speak to their firsthand experience with Sheeran's talent.

But, despite its commercial purpose, the series proves an enjoyable ride-along with a rising star who's far more humble than he is haughty, and that spells good things for fans who want more reasons to like the talented Brit. Yes, he gives you a sample of what it's like to stand on a stage in front of thousands of screaming fans, but he spends just as much time in quieter spots such as his childhood home, talking about his dreams and how he defines success. Even Swift and Pharrell talk about being struck by his unwavering adherence to who he is and what he wants his music to mean. What this says to viewers -- and starry-eyed teens in particular -- is that stardom doesn't always have to come at a cost and that good guys can get ahead, too.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how celebrities handle their fame. What kinds of negative behavior often makes the news where celebs are concerned? Does this ever change how the public thinks about them? Can bad press be a positive thing for them?

  • Is Sheeran among a minority in being a singer-songwriter rather than only a performing artist? How much does a star's physical appearance and showmanship play into his or her success? What does this say about society's definition of talent?

  • Sheeran's life story shows that he's taken some knocks in his pursuit of his dreams. Teens: How far would you go to see your dreams come to fruition? Is success worth every sacrifice? Why, or why not?

  • Are you familiar with Sheeran's work? Do you like his musical style? What quality do you think endears him to the likes of Taylor Swift and Pharrell, who could have their pick of musical collaborators?

TV Details

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

Nine Days and Nights of Ed Sheeran Poster Image

What to Watch Next

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate