Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Classic game show revival has laughs, sexual innuendo.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
To Tell the Truth
What's the Story?
TO TELL THE TRUTH, a modern-day version of the 1950s game show, features contestants attempting to convince a panel of celebrities that they're a specific person. Hosted by Anthony Anderson, each round consists of three contestants claiming to be a certain person with a specific story or talent, despite the fact that two of them are actually imposters. The panel is questioned by four celebs, including Betty White, NeNe Leakes, Jale Rose, and a special guest star. After a round of questions, each celeb must vote on the person who is telling the truth about him or herself. Every wrong vote they cast translates into some cash for the panelists. If the panel fools all the celebs, they get a bigger cash prize. Keeping score is Anthony Anderson's mom. The celebrity who does the worst job must tweet a lie created by Anderson about him or herself and, as punishment, cannot deny it for 24 hours.
Is It Any Good?
This entertainingly upbeat quiz show revival mixes questions and humor to keep people wondering about who is the real person in each bunch. But the real fun comes from the celebs, who use the opportunity to capitalize on one-liners and innuendo-filled zingers during each Q&A.
Fans of classic TV games will probably like this newest version, which mostly sticks to the old format (and even an original guest, the still razor-sharp Betty White). Meanwhile, the variety show-style performances of the "real" contestants, who show off the talents they're known for, also add to each installment. It's not the most cerebral of shows, but it promises lots of laughs throughout.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about classic game shows. What made them popular when they originally aired? Could you air the same shows today and expect them to be equally as popular with viewers? What kinds of things have to be done to adapt a classic show for today's audiences?
Families can also talk about the place lying has on this show. When is it OK to tell a lie? Is being good at lying a positive skill?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 14, 2016
- Cast : Anthony Anderson , Betty White , NeNe Leakes
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Game Shows
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 24, 2022
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