Parents' Guide to The Influencer

The Influencer TV show poster: Jang Keun-suk, RISABAE, Pani Bottle, and more are in different cubes that read “Live” on them.

Common Sense Media Review

By Ty'Kira Smalls , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Fun social media survival show has swears and sexual themes.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

THE INFLUENCER is a Korean competition series designed to see who's the biggest influencer. Seventy-seven of Korea's top influencers walk in with a collar that reads their follower count on their primary social media platforms. These stars range from veterans to newbies on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram; some are Broadcast Jockeys (BJs) on the streaming service AfreecaTV. Across five rounds, creators are put to the test to see who can navigate streaming, long-form content, short-form content, photography, video editing, and more. The last person standing wins 300 million KRW (over $200K in 2024).

Is It Any Good?

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

This series turns the internet into the incendiary, insightful game that it is. The Influencer is creative, exciting, and topical. The contestants (being influencers) have a range of interesting personalities. There's potential for conversations around social media that parents can have with children, since the "other side" of social media is shown. The constant cursing, brand name drops, and sexual themes make this suitable for teens.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how "celebrity" is defined in The Influencer. Do you think celebrity and influencer are the same, or different? Why or why not?

  • Which contestants on this show play fair, and which don't? Is it OK to play dirty in a competition? Why or why not?

  • Has social media changed the landscape of fame? Talent? Entertainment? Mental health? Why or why not?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

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The Influencer TV show poster: Jang Keun-suk, RISABAE, Pani Bottle, and more are in different cubes that read “Live” on them.

What to Watch Next

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