Want personalized picks that fit your family?
Set preferences to see our top age-appropriate picks for your kids.
The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty
Parents say
Kids say
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Get it now on
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
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 this reality docuseries follows the Jackson brothers (with the exceptions of Randy and Michael) as they work to produce a 40th anniversary album and show. While the series highlights the brothers' relationship and the positive role that family plays in their life, it's overshadowed by Michael's fame and death. Overall the show is pretty mild for a "celebreality" series, but there's some bickering between the brothers and some salty language (mostly of the “damn" and “ass” variety; curse words muted or bleeped).
Stay up to date on new reviews.
User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
perfect for tweeens
What's the story?
THE JACKSONS: A FAMILY DYNASTY follows four of the famous Jackson brothers -- Tito, Marlon, Jermaine, and Jackie -- as they come together to produce a 40th anniversary record. Cameras follow along as they interact with their families, work through their sibling rivalry, and overcome creative differences to produce an album that's worthy of the Jackson 5 brand. The series also shows how the brothers cope with the June 2009 death of their youngest brother, Michael.
Is it any good?
The Jacksons offers viewers a glimpse into the Jackson brothers' family lives, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into to producing their music and relaunching their musical career. It also provides a unique chance to see the brothers interact with each other and openly discuss some of the heavily publicized issues that have impacted their relationship.
Sadly, much of what happens is overshadowed by the legacy of their younger brother, who died only a few days into the show’s filming. The emotional tributes to Michael -- as well as the constant conversations about his family -- seem to be what pushes this rather-slow moving docuseries along. But Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson fans will probably be drawn in by the music, as well as the chance to see the legendary family off-stage and in their homes.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about why celebrities and/or entertainers agree to appear on reality shows. Why do you think the Jacksons wanted to do this show? Was it just for promotional purposes? How "real" do you think they are in front of the cameras?
How does Michael Jackson's death impact the show? Parents: Get tips for talking about reality TV with your kids.
TV details
- Premiere date: December 13, 2009
- Cast: Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Tito Jackson
- Network: A&E
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
For kids who love true stories
Our editors recommend
Top advice and articles
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.