Society X with Laura Ling
Edgy docuseries looks at disturbing underground trends.
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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 Society X with Lisa Ling explores underground fads and activities that are considered inappropriate or illegal in mainstream popular culture. It contains some strong images of people buying, using, and getting sick as a result of using drugs and other substances. Police raids and arrests are shown. There's some bleeped language and references to websites featuring illegal trade and activities. It's informative, but, thanks to it mature themes, it's best left for adults and older teens.
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What's the Story?
SOCIETY X WITH LAURA LING is an edgy documentary series that explores some of America's latest underground crazes and the people who participate in them. Hosted by investigative journalist Laura Ling, the series looks at a variety of subcultures, all of which engage in activities that are unique, potentially dangerous, and considered inappropriate by mainstream society. Through interviews with members of these groups, as well as with law enforcement and others who are touched by their activities, viewers get a chance to see what these outlier communities are up to and some of the consequences of their actions.
Is It Any Good?
From looking at college drug use to understanding the global proliferation of synthetic or designer drugs, Society X with Laura Ling offers a look into social trends that some argue fall outside of conventional and socially accepted popular culture. It also reveals how these fads are moving beyond the underground and affecting mainstream society. The price some people pay for participating in these activities, such as getting sick or arrested, also are highlighted.
There's an attempt to be objective, but the dangers associated with some of the activities discussed here are clearly underscored thanks to some of the dramatic (and carefully selected) footage edited into the show. Meanwhile, each episode is too short to go into any real details about why these subcultures do what they do. But it will certainly open people's eyes about unique or disturbing fads that people of all ages get caught up in and what they might experience as a result.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the consequences of engaging in risky behaviors, even if they seem like common or popular activities. Do you think TV shows like this one are helpful in raising awareness about the dangers associated with them? Or do they glorify the perceived entertainment values of these activities?
Why do people agree to be interviewed for shows like this one, if they know that what they do is potentially dangerous or illegal?
Do you think Laura Ling should offer more opinion about some of these activities? Or is she being "objective"?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 6, 2013
- Cast: Laura Ling
- Network: E!
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: September 19, 2019
Our Editors Recommend
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